Cam Change - Issues???

Posted By: CUDAJAS

Cam Change - Issues??? - 10/29/13 04:18 AM

I am contemplating a cam change in my 360.

I was thinking of a smallish Lunati voodoo cam that is more street friendly.

I have heard a ton of horror stories over the last few years regarding failed flat tappet cams.

Are those issues a thing of the past, are the ways to ensure I do not kill a new cam.

The engine runs strong but has a bit of a mismatched combo. I would hate to kill the engine with a simple cam change.

Thanks,

Jason

Posted By: Kern Dog

Re: Cam Change - Issues??? - 10/29/13 06:11 AM

Mopar Action magazine did a great article on how to start a fresh engine. It shows how to absolutely ensure that the engine starts on the very first few revolutions.
The failure of these types of cams is directly related to extended cranking on a fresh start AND the proper oil used. This is assuming that you are using the proper valve springs according to the Cam manufacturer.
Get the engine to start immediately AND use the right oil. Your chances of success are good.

Posted By: 80fbody

Re: Cam Change - Issues??? - 10/29/13 12:27 PM

I would source some Johnson lifters. Much better luck with those. Check with guys like Comp. Wedge, Compuflow, ect. Seem to be much more helpful getting those, if available.

Posted By: Twostick

Re: Cam Change - Issues??? - 10/30/13 01:09 AM

Use a good 15/40 diesel oil like Rotella or Mobil Delvac. If you can't sleep at night, add a can of GM EOS or equivalent.

Make sure ALL, repeat ALL the lifters are spinning BEFORE you fire it up. IMHO 90+% of cam failures are caused by a lifter that wasn't turning.

When you turn the engine over on the starter, all the push rods should spin quickly and evenly. A slow one or a stopped one is trouble. Swap the lifter to a different hole and try again. If it won't spin in that hole,replace the lifter. If the one in the original hole still won't spin, check the lifter bore.

This check can be done in a very few seconds and IMO is critical.

Kevin

Posted By: Triggerfish

Re: Cam Change - Issues??? - 10/30/13 02:10 AM

Quote:

Use a good 15/40 diesel oil like Rotella or Mobil Delvac. If you can't sleep at night, add a can of GM EOS or equivalent.

Make sure ALL, repeat ALL the lifters are spinning BEFORE you fire it up. IMHO 90+% of cam failures are caused by a lifter that wasn't turning.

When you turn the engine over on the starter, all the push rods should spin quickly and evenly. A slow one or a stopped one is trouble. Swap the lifter to a different hole and try again. If it won't spin in that hole,replace the lifter. If the one in the original hole still won't spin, check the lifter bore.

This check can be done in a very few seconds and IMO is critical.

Kevin

I agree & great advice. I just switched cams in my 383, using plenty of cam lube, a bottle of Trick Flow breakin oil & no issues with
the new cam & its been 4 months now. I try to add a quart of Comp break in oil with oil changes just to be sure I have enough zinc & phosporous, etc.

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Cam Change - Issues??? - 10/30/13 02:22 AM

I'd suggest mocking up each lifter in a bore cleaned with brake kleen & lightly lubed with WD40 & lift each lifter up off of its' lobe with your finger & let go of it & it should fall back onto its' respective lobe with a resounding "thunk"

Posted By: 440child

Re: Cam Change - Issues??? - 10/30/13 05:15 AM

Quote:

Mopar Action magazine did a great article on how to start a fresh engine.

Would anyone have a copy of this by any chance?

Posted By: CUDAJAS

Re: Cam Change - Issues??? - 11/01/13 08:19 PM

Thanks for the input guys.

I would likely go with the lunati voodoo cam and lifter package.

Quote:

I would source some Johnson lifters. Much better luck with those. Check with guys like Comp. Wedge, Compuflow, ect. Seem to be much more helpful getting those, if available.

These are the comments that scare me.

Is there an issue with Lunati lifters or the other cam and lifter kits?

Jason