Some engine builds tell more than just a technical story. The five-cam small-block Chevy is one such example. Built by Pete Aardema and Kevin Brown, this engine combines the ingenuity of its 1971 Moser DOHC small-block Chevy roots with modern engineering. The result is a one-of-a-kind recreation that highlights the potential of combining old ideas with modern engineering techniques.
The second replica of this rare engine recently reached a key milestone: its first successful startup. This moment was due to months of effort, highlighting the dedication and skill that Pete and Kevin brought to the project.
The Moser DOHC Chevy 350
In the 1970s, the Moser DOHC Chevy 350 set itself apart with a bold and unconventional design. Its five-cam layout allowed for significantly improved airflow and power output over the standard small-block cylinder heads. Unlike standard production engines, the Moser design was a rare experiment in pushing small-block Chevy capabilities further than anyone thought possible.
Bringing this design back to life was not an easy task. Aardema and Brown started with a combination of original components. Some parts came from Crane Cams, but they quickly realized that custom fabrication was necessary to complete the project.
Rebuilding this engine involved solving a series of technical challenges. The original camshaft system, for example, required modifications to address a gear configuration that caused the camshafts to rotate in reverse. A custom belt-driven system was designed by Aardema and Brown, that incorporates a reverse-rotation marine drive for the pushrod camshaft (which no longer actuates any valves). That allows the four overhead cams, as well as the standard camshaft in the block (and everything it drives), to rotate in the same direction — the reverse of a normal small-block Chevy. The video below better explains the intricacies of that system.
Another obstacle to overcome was the bearings since the original Babbitt bearings created excessive friction, making the engine difficult to assemble and operate. To smoothen the operations, reduce friction, and improve durability, modern needle bearings were introduced to the design. Adding the improved bearings also ensures the engine can handle the stresses of operation.
Many parts of the engine had to be fabricated from scratch. Aardema and Brown created new cam boxes and valve covers to match the spirit of the original design while meeting modern performance standards. Modern technology also played a crucial role. The second build incorporated a Haltech 2000 ECU for electronic fuel injection (EFI). Switching from a carbureted system to EFI allowed for more precise fuel management, optimizing both performance and reliability.
Wiring the system required careful planning to ensure seamless communication between components like injectors and ignition coils, with neat features like a Ford distributor-based cam position sensor that was chopped up and grafted to the shaft of a traditional small-block Chevy distributor for drop-in engagement with the camshaft.
The First Startup: A Milestone Achieved
After months of preparation, the engine roared to life for the first time. Although brief, the startup marked a major achievement in the project. The engine demonstrated solid oil pressure and responsiveness, signaling that the core systems were functioning correctly.
While adjustments are still needed, such as fine-tuning fuel trims and synchronizing sensors, the first test showed that the engine’s potential was well within reach. This recreation retains the essence of the original Moser DOHC five-cam small-block Chevy 350 while opening up new possibilities for performance.
What’s Next for the Five-Cam Chevy 350?
The next step is to fine-tune the engine and pair it with a suitable vehicle. A 1971 Camaro Z28 Rally Sport has been suggested as the perfect fit. Its vintage roots align with the engine’s historical significance, and its iconic status would make it an ideal showcase for the engine’s capabilities.
This step isn’t just about practicality. It’s about completing the narrative of this engine and giving it a platform to shine. Aardema and Brown’s recreation of the five-cam Chevy 350 is more than an engineering project. It’s a tribute to the innovative minds behind the original design, a demonstration of modern engineering talent, and a celebration of what’s possible when tradition and creativity come together.
This engine is not just about specifications. It’s a story of perseverance, problem-solving, and craftsmanship. The five-cam small-block Chevy 350 stands as a remarkable example of how the past and present can combine to create something timeless.
