I was wondering how many of you guys actually change your oil and filter after cam break-in. What is the pupose of this since the filter should catch all the metallic particles, just new to rebuilt engines and don't have any AMSOIL ZROD on my shelf at the moment but would like to drive my car hopefully by the weekend.I mean would it actually hurt anything to drive it maybe 200 miles before I change it.

I use Joe Gibbs racing oils,they recommend up to two hours on their break in oil. That being said,it is always best to check things over after breaking in a new engine. I like to go through and check the valve lash if running a solid lifter setup. And go around and check all engine fasteners I can get to.
Keith

I definitely do. After thousands of $$ plus my time I dont scrimp there & I'm a firm believer in frequent oil changes (at least 4X yearly). Yes you could put it off 200 miles and maybe hypothetically shorten it's life 1% but I am picky and a perfectionist & overkill lets me sleep better at night and alot of the time my opponents are not as meticulous (I'm speaking of other areas) and they pay the price. In your case it would not be a deal breaker but be aware that filters do not catch near everything

Run it and don't worry about it. If its built right it will be fine and besides I would find another old engine for that clean oil. Lawn mowers etc

One of the reasons to change the oil and filter after breaking in the cam is to help remove any debris made by the break in process and help clean the motor up inside No matter how careful you are(most novice engine assemblers are not very careful or anal on cleanlyness (SP?) you will have dust and debris in the oil from the motor breaking in from new parts rubbing on each other I always cut the oil filter open and inspect it for unusual debris or particles, I have a remote mounted Olbeg oil filter(screen type) that I use on some of my motors that will have a remote mounted oil filter in the car for breakin sometimes, I have seen a eyebrow or eyelash in that filter Engine assembly is like brain surgery, YOU CANNOT KEEP IT TOO CLEAN Change the oil and filter and cut the filter open to see what is in it One other thing, you do know that the oil filters Ford and Mopar use have bult in internal bypasses in them correct One other thing to think about is all the oil in the motor has to go through the oil pump before it goes into the oil filter

I agree with Cab. I like to look at the oil, and smell it (for gasoline odor), and cut the filter open. The fresh oil gets more EOS or whatever your favorite zinc additive is.
I haven't had any problems in years, even with flat-tappet cams, but if I saw anything questionable in the oil or filter I would want to catch the problem before killing the bearings or more parts.