alright you old fogeys... flat tappet break-in??

[Forrest]

the good thing here is that the shortblock is a known-good engine... it's a Windsor, and I'm too poor to go solid roller, and I don't want to mess w/ converting to hydraulic roller, so I'm going with a flat hydraulic cam...

it's 290/294 ADV, 234/238 @ .050", .527/.536" 108 LSA

the lobes aren't exactly super-agressive or anything... springs are 120# seat ~395 open...

the plan:

lotsa cam lube, straight 30wt oil in the engine (maybe a little break-in additive too?), and remove the inner valvesprings (ugh :bawl: ), and vary the revs between ~2200-2800 for ~20 minutes (or a police officer kills the ignition!)

god that's gonna suck... I'm gonna have to build a complete exhaust system before I can fire the car, and my neighbors are still gonna hate me...

anyone have any words of wisdom? the cam ships out Feb 6, so I've got a little time to worry...

Forrest

[FE_rex]

Sounds like you got it covered. Some other hints.
1. Do you damnedest to make sure car fires quickly. Fill carb - prime fuel injection. Pay special attention to setting timing when installing distributor. Don't want to turn and turn and wipe off cam lube.
2. Get a fan and point it at the radiator to help cool motor. May want to get bug sprayer with water and have ready to spray on rad if car gets hot.
3. I usually set the timing to 34-36 at cam break in rpm - so I know where it is without thinking about the curve.

Can't think of anything else at the moment.

[sledgehammer]

I don't see a reason to take out the inner springs. That is not a lot of seat pressure. I have broken in much larger cams with out any problems. Remember that is doesn't have to be a continuance 20 to 30 minutes. If it starts to get hot or you are having problems you can shut it off let it cool down or what ever and then start it for the remaining time.

Harvey Garcia

[mmeans]

Pre-oil the block as well, I'm sure you would but just a reminder to put it on your checklist. I've been witness to several cam breakins and it's no biggie.

Do you still have the resident car police living behind you? Can you break it in during the middle of the day? If you have ear protection, wear it. It will help you think.

Change that oil and filter after break in.

Michael Means