So I have a 451 in a 72 Demon. Long story short the cam wiped a lobe and at least one lifter its been sitting for a few years and I am getting ready to pull engine and repair it. I am looking for input on MoPar grind cams, leaning toward Howard or Hughes. Anyone have preference? Also would you take the whole engine down and have it cleaned for a lifter and a lobe? The build might have 5k miles on it and that's being really generous

Engine Specs I remember... (without digging out a whole lot of receipts)
Stock iron heads
KB pistons
.509 cam
ARP fasteners
M1 Dom single plane adapted to standard Holley double pumper

It's not race motor but it builds good power and right now I need (want) to get it back running. I am tired of seeing it sit. I am pretty sure the cam wasted because of the zinc issue... how do I prevent it from happening again?

couple of questions???...
-what type of rockers are on there?
-what valve springs were installed for the .509
-were the pushrods stock
-was the engine decked or heads milled at all
-what pickup/pan/oil pump
-what type of oil and cam/lifter lube was used for breakin

couple of questions???...

-what type of rockers are on there? Stock

-what valve springs were installed for the .509?

-were the pushrods stock? Yes
-was the engine decked or heads milled at all? No

-what pickup/pan/oil pump? Moroso deep sump with 3/8 pickup and a high pressure pump by Melling

-what type of oil and cam/lifter lube was used for breakin? Valvoline 10/30 and the cam lube that came with the cam

I found a receipt for lifters so I may have replaced them after the spun rod bearing.

This motor isn't new, it had about 5 years worth of driving and dtuff on it and wiped the came after a no zinc oil change

More info
MSD ign dist wires etc
Autometer gauges
ARP rod bolts

I would tear the eng completly down and clean it all just like an overhaul. Seen the metal from a worn lobe get everywhere.
As for the cam I would call "Dwayne Porter" and talk with him. He speced and ground the solid flat tappet in my eng. On break in I used the Valvoline racing oil which has alot of the zinc in it and add a bottle of the zinc additive. And of course use the cam lube on the cam lobes. I also removed the inner springs when I broke in my cam that Dwayne did for me. Also have the cam Nitrided. I had no problems at all breaking in that cam 2 years ago. If you would want Dwayne's number just let me know. Ron

I lost a lobe on Pettis`s dyno years ago and it took out a few bearings and the oil pump............like said, it needs to be treated like a freshen and relpace what`s needed OR, buy a roller................. Good luck and I personally run Isky...........

Here are the valve springs I used... sorry it took so long I had to go teach a class.

Valve Springs

Dosn't look like you over did it on the springs, but I would of taken the inner springs out for breakin if you didn't before, and a good zinc infuzed oil is important or at least a zinc addative,,oil isn't what it used to be,,yes I would personally pull the motor down and do a serious clean-up and just check it over bearings, crank journals, ring's etc., if it is an affordable option, I would consider a hyd or solid roller with good pushrod's and rockers,, having gone thru a myrad if valve train issues myself, I ended up biting the bullet and bought the best I could and so far have not had another issue.