J. Mummert says his shop machines the Cam groove deeper on all the Cams they sell, however he doesn't indicate how much deeper?.. It would be nice to have that info available, even if installing a replacement stock cam..


Paul

Not necessarily incorrect but can be considered too shallow for the current crop of soft babbit cam bearings that are available.  This is not just an Isky issue but is industry wide for anyone using CWC cores for Y-Block camshafts.  Said another way, all CWC Y-Block camshaft cores used by most of the different cam grinders have that center groove depth problem.  While I usually add a groove to the engine block behind the center cam bearing to ensure an adequate flow of oil to the top end of the engine for the long haul, machining that camshaft center journal groove deeper is also an accepted fix for that.

Stock valve springs will prove adequate for use with the Isky S-969 camshaft.  While the recommended Isky valve springs can be used, the heads do need to be machined to accommodate those as the boss on the heads that center the valve springs is too large in diameter for the Isky springs.  I recommend going with single piece valve spring retainers also and eliminating the two-piece retainers that originally came on the engines.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Paul, thats a good question. Does anyone know if anyone ever talked to Isky about it? I installed an E4 in 2016 and wasn't aware of the problem at that time and I'm sure it probably had the shallow grove but it seems the top end is oiling fine..

At one time ISKY cams did not have the correct groove on their cams.  Is this still the situation??


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks a lot Ted for all information!!  very kind of you,  i have a last question in this subject (i hope) what type and brand of springs do you recommend  for this cam and where can i buy them?

John Mummert was mentioned only in passing early on in this thread but he does offer a range of camshafts for the Ford Y.  Either take a look at his website or give John a call and see what he has to offer.

In regards to your query regarding the Isky S-969 cam, the turn-around time for custom Isky camshafts has always been very quick for me.  I typically receive the custom ordered camshafts about 10 days after placing the order and no later than two weeks.  I usually specify ground shipping which takes approximately five business days for those shipments to arrive from California to Texas.  That means that Isky is doing those camshaft orders almost immediately upon receiving the orders.  Overseas shipments would obviously have some more delay built into the shipments.

To order the Isky camshaft, you would need to specify the following.

Part number 301 S-969, ground on 112° lobe centers, ground with 2° cam advance

Here’s what the cam sheet for that particular camshaft looks like.
  

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Ok, if i now choose the Isky S-969 camshaft that you recomend which seems to be the best option for me, can you help me with the exact spec when i talk to Isky, how much advance etc.I am not that good at camshafts
perhaps you have a ordering numer or code for this camshaft?
Do you know approximate delivery time?
Thanks for all the help so far.

I don’t see a Summit offering for a 1957 camshaft.  If concerned about keeping the performance of the engine optimal, then avoid the replacement 1958-1964 camshafts.  While those 58-64 camshafts idle good and at very low rpm, they are down on performance compared to the 1957 grind.  I'll suggest you try calling the cam company of your choice and see what their options are for doing overseas sales.  If willing to settle for a 58-64 camshaft, then Summit may have something.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

OP said he has a 61 dizzy..

The "ISK-30144" cam is the Isky E4 cam/w 108 LSA, which Ted just said he does not recommend for a Fordomatic-equipped car.