Camshaft Removal Help

[axlesnap]

I've had a 302 from a 1968 Torino Station Wagon laying around for a while and have finally decided to rebuild it and replace the tired engine in my '74 bronco.

1. I've never attempted a rebuild like this but have been reading Tom Monroe's book "How to Rebuild Sm. Blk. Ford Engines". After a very long day TODAY I have got everything off and out of the motor except the lifters and cam. The engine is upside down on the engine stand so the lifters aren't in the way and the retaining plate is off. But I can't get the cam to slide out. Any ideas?

2. Also I'm not 100% sure but I think the Harmonic balancer looks wider on the 1968 than on the 1974. Will these interchange between blocks. I'm worried about pulley alignment and such.

3. Will these 1968 heads need to have hardened Valve seat installed to be reliable?I just want a relatively stock 302 for a daily driver.

Any tips and suggestions for a good motor greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[VBH289]

flip the engine right side up, get a screw driver or other tool and pull the lifters, then through the lifter valley, push on one of the lobes to half pop out the cam OR take the screws for the timing chain, and pull on those, it should wiggle out slowly, and that should be it. as for the harmonic pullies and such, use what came on that engine, they should be just fine, ford didn't change their dual groove and tri groove pulleys until the cerpintine came out. when you rebuild, remember to use alot of assembly lube, and good oil in your breakin period. Let us know how it turns out! Good luck