My new (used) bare block came, however it did not have cam bearings installed. What kind of tools do I need to install them? Can I continue putting the pistons and crank in the engine or do they need to be removed to install the cam bearings?

 

you will need something like this YouTube has videos on the how



https://www.summitracing.com/parts/w...BoCsHgQAvD_BwE

 

Can I replace the cam bearings with the pistons and crank installed, or will I have to wait to replace the cam bearings before I put the pistons and crank back in?

Also, what is the difference with the ones that have diagonal oil groves on the inside. Are the ones without it bad?

 

Bearings will frequently be journal dependent like a specific oil groove for a spot in the block.

I don’t see any reason you can’t do it with the crank and pistons installed. Just more weight to shift around as the last bearing if memory serves is installed from the back of the motor. So off the stand and on the hoist or some other thing to hold it

i don’t do them myself generally I have a good machine shop do it as aligning those oil passages can be tricky.

 

For lower bearings there is something you have to do on install .. they either go in dry .. or you grease them. I'm not sure which.

There is some thing you have to do.... but I can't remember .. You should find out what it is before you do it.

 

By lower bearings are you referring to the crank main bearings?