CL20-224-4 Competition Cam installation question

Are you assuming the rear journal is the problem because it won’t go in the last little bit? Definitely measure each bearing journal on the camshaft with a micrometer.

I had this happen twice.
First was with a new Mopar short block. Rear journal would start in the bearing but then the other journals would start and the cam would bind. Very tight. On mine, it was the third or fourth bearing that was too tight. Other known good camshafts were also tight in that block. Mine was on an engine stand, not in the car, so I was able measure everything. It ended up being the bore in the block was small, so the backing for the bearing was getting rolled under when bearings were installed, causing tight spots. Once the bore was honed to correct size, the bearing installed properly and the same camshaft installed and turned smoothly.

Second was a big block. This one known good camshafts installed and spun nicely. The brand new Comp Cams solid flat tappet cam was ordered with nitride treatment, and the bearing journals were oversized compared to Chrysler design specs. Had that cam fixed by Comp Cams warranty dept. That’s when they told me they don’t grind their flat tappet cams any more, they come finished by their supplier. Who knows. Comp is garbage these days.