[Uniryan2008]

I have a '73 sbc 350 with a non roller hydro cam.First time puttin a cam in a motor, I got new pushrods and lifters to go with it. What are some important things I should know before diving in??, and should I get any other supplies to make life more simple?? I also need to know about start up and break in procedures??? Thank you for any replies.

[vinniekq2]

read the instruction sheet.
Some people bolt on the timing gear to the camshaft to make it easier to support the camshaft when sliding the camshaft into the block. Be careful to support the stick and not damage the cam bearings.

[327NUT]

Also do a search function for "cam break in" or something like that, there's tons of info including which oil and additives to use. There's nothing hard about it, just very important to do it the proper way.

[Uniryan2008]

Awesome,thank you. I have been questioning this "new" oil formulation that's standard now and thought my flat tappet motor needed an oil that's made for it, now that there's a difference...I'll take a look since I have no instructions to go by.

[F-BIRD'88]

You can read the camshaft install instructions
here:

Crane Cams | Automotive Home Page
ISKY Racing Cams - Do It Right. Race with the Legend. Camshafts, Connecting Rods, Valve Springs, Lifters
Lunati Cams, Cranks, Pistons, and Rods - Lunati Power

I use this stuff to aid in new camshaft/lifter break in
Molyslip Canada Inc. :: Molybdenum Lubricants, Performance Lubricants, Copaslip Anti-Seize, EP2 Grease, Wear Reducing Lubricants, Oil Additive Molyslip E oil suplement

I use the GM EOS too.

[Mr. P-Body]

Before installing ANYTHING, remove a valve spring, measure the installed height and "bind", and match that to the specs of the new cam. More cam problems occur with small blocks due to inadequate springs than any other reason. Stock sprngs will not "support" lifts over .460". Some even less.

It would also be prudent, if the spring IS "okay" as far as bind is concerned, to know the seat pressure and "nose" pressure, to be sure you're getting everything from the new cam you should.

The best bet is to follow the cam grinder's recommendations for both spring requirements AND break-in procedure.

Jim

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by Uniryan2008

I have a '73 sbc 350 with a non roller hydro cam.First time puttin a cam in a motor, I got new pushrods and lifters to go with it. What are some important things I should know before diving in??, and should I get any other supplies to make life more simple?? I also need to know about start up and break in procedures??? Thank you for any replies.

Here are a couple pages for you:

• Cam installation tips

• Adjusting hydraulic lifters

• Valve train areas to check

• HEI distributor info

• Determining TDC

• Prep and start a new engine

Other info on the Crankshaft Coalition wiki: Engine section

[BBCMudbogger]

Make sure you have the distributor in and valves set correctly and that the engine fires and runs properly as soon as you spin her over, not grinding on the starter, cussing and messing around with getting the engine to even run before breaking in the cam. If you do all the break-in lube is wiped off and useless.

[Uniryan2008]

Thanks for all the replies I will most definitely be investing in a set of valve springs or heads from what I have read, I just found out my 350 has two different heads on it so I will probably get a good set of performance iron heads to keep the price down and solve all my worries...

[Mojo56]

Never use an API SN oil in a flat tappet engine... use a good break-in oil like Brad Penn or Joe Gibbs.

Use plenty of cam lube when you install the cam... a long bolt (6 to 8") inserted into one of the threaded holes in the front of the cam makes it easier to install...

[cdminter59]

Check out this tool from Summit Racing: Summit Racing SUM-900134 - Summit Racing® Camshaft Installation Handles - Overview - SummitRacing.com