[Thomas]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chevy454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">YES, you need the groove! The very first engine I put together (an L72 w/ an early 427 block) required the grooved camshaft, but I didn't know that until I went to prime the engine and no oil would get to the top end. Luckily, Mo had a book @ the parts store with the spec for the groove so he threw it on a lathe and cut the groove, and it worked like a charm.

I'm thinking the grooved cams are still available, though? Call Bullet Cams and speak w/ John Partridge, he will fix you up. </div></div>

I already have the cam on order.
I'm working with one of my old neighbours who owns a performance shop 2 blocks from my place. The cam we have picked is the Comp Cams Extreme Energy XS274S.
I hope it was a good choice.
He was suggesting a roller setup, but I was/am on a budget, if there is such a thing when you play with this stuff, and I wanted to go with a solid lifter setup.

The one thing he was not sure about was whether the groove in the rear cam bearing was enough, as he spends more time at the track with new stuff than working on vintage engines.

Thanks for all the help.

I will take the cam in to have it machined when it arrives next week.