camshaft failure

[Too Many Projects]

Probably has roller rockers too with the adjustment for clearance at the push rod. They are taller than original style rockers. The roller lifter conversion is all in the lifter valley and makes no difference under the valve cover. The strap is the only significant addition and it prevents the lifters from spinning.

[OneStopRestoration]

Originally Posted by thehornworks

I been reading a lot about new solid camshaft and lifter failure on start up. I have a new Comp cam in my 69 Z28. Hasn't been fired yet. A engine builder I know said he won't build a motor with a solid cam because of all the failures. Any input is appreciated.

My father and I have built dozens of motors over the years. Our engine machine shop normally went with Comp products. Never had any issues untill about 2 or 3 months back. Started up a 66 375hp solid lifter motor with a blueprint cam. Out of caution we even used some Johnson lifters along with Joe Gibbs break in oil. Cam lost 6 lobes after 15mins of break in. One lobe as I recall lost .040-.050. Another wore itself into the lifter and made a nice .020 deep hole.

We decided because of the time and money we spend on these cars to go with Erson Roller cams. They have a very nice grind thats not in the catalogue but very closely matches an L78 or LS6 solid lifter cam. We used hydraulic rollers. Started the motor on the stand 3 weeks back and extremly happy with how the engine ran and sounded. We are currently converting over 2 more L78s we had planned to start. If you get them on the phone I would simply talk about what you have and askf if they have grind as a roller equivalent.

I did alot of research on the mater. Its difficult to get anyone to really admit to what is different or going wrong.

[Tuna Joe]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

Probably has roller rockers too with the adjustment for clearance at the push rod. They are taller than original style rockers. The roller lifter conversion is all in the lifter valley and makes no difference under the valve cover. The strap is the only significant addition and it prevents the lifters from spinning.

The car does have roller rockers.
Good stuff, thank you

[Zman1969]

Originally Posted by Tuna Joe

The car does have roller rockers.
Good stuff, thank you

Tuna Joe the reason for valve cover spacer is the poly locks on top of the stud more than likely, I'm wondering if you use new studs and crimp nuts on a roller setup would be any issue? I see no reason why they would loosen up.

[big gear head]

Originally Posted by Zman1969

Tuna Joe the reason for valve cover spacer is the poly locks on top of the stud more than likely, I'm wondering if you use new studs and crimp nuts on a roller setup would be any issue? I see no reason why they would loosen up.

Standard nuts will not fit into a roller rocker.

[Zman1969]

Originally Posted by big gear head

Standard nuts will not fit into a roller rocker.

correct but roller rockers aren't required. I'm thinking OE rockers so you can run stock covers

[Lynn]

I run stock rockers with the two roller cam motors I built. Stock valve covers; no spacers.

[SPEEDYB]

Originally Posted by OneStopRestoration

My father and I have built dozens of motors over the years. Our engine machine shop normally went with Comp products. Never had any issues untill about 2 or 3 months back. Started up a 66 375hp solid lifter motor with a blueprint cam. Out of caution we even used some Johnson lifters along with Joe Gibbs break in oil. Cam lost 6 lobes after 15mins of break in. One lobe as I recall lost .040-.050. Another wore itself into the lifter and made a nice .020 deep hole.

We decided because of the time and money we spend on these cars to go with Erson Roller cams. They have a very nice grind thats not in the catalogue but very closely matches an L78 or LS6 solid lifter cam. We used hydraulic rollers. Started the motor on the stand 3 weeks back and extremly happy with how the engine ran and sounded. We are currently converting over 2 more L78s we had planned to start. If you get them on the phone I would simply talk about what you have and askf if they have grind as a roller equivalent.

I did alot of research on the mater. Its difficult to get anyone to really admit to what is different or going wrong.

Are the engines as quiet as a hyd. flat tappet?

[mprice]

I have 2 friends that have had 3 separate cases where the cam went flat on break in. The proper break in oil and springs were used. In all cases it was with comp cams and lifters and from what I have heard they still refuse to admit they have a problem. Never again will I purchase a comp cam.

[Lynn]

SPEEDYB

Just as quiet.