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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: 1981 ss chevy on January 02, 2010, 07:42:13 PM

Title: Used Cam?
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on January 02, 2010, 07:42:13 PM
i have a COMP cam outta my 93 chevy 350 the 350 was bored .30 with speedpro pistons and pushrods. Im not sure of the duration and lift and all that but the truck was just mildly built not a nasty huge loping thing.  I was just wondering if this cam would fit in my 81 C/10 305 the motor now is stock except the edelbrock carb, but ill put on a edlebrock air gap intake with the cam and headers.  Can you use a used cam? if so use the lifters that were with that cam or buy new ones?
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on January 02, 2010, 07:58:18 PM
If you do use a used cam, you have to use the lifters that came with it, and in their original locations on tha camshaft.  if you mix them up or use new ones, the cam will self-destruct fairly quickly.
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on January 02, 2010, 07:59:22 PM
thats what i was told cuz each lifter wears just a certain way on the cam right?
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: Captkaos on January 02, 2010, 09:07:06 PM
That is correct, the break-in basically sets the lifters and cam lobe together.  Mixing them will wipe the cam out.
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: Donut on January 03, 2010, 07:57:25 AM
What year did Chevy go to roller cams?
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: VileZambonie on January 03, 2010, 08:03:08 AM
I take used cams and drop em on the floor, watch em break into several pieces then throw them away. To me unless it's a roller or steel cam throw it out.

Factory rollers started appearing around 1987
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: Captkaos on January 03, 2010, 10:12:23 AM
Trucks started getting them around 1993
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on January 03, 2010, 12:11:57 PM
its a roller thats why i dont want to just junk it
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on January 03, 2010, 12:14:14 PM
or at least i was told it was a roller but im strating to doubt that
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: VileZambonie on January 03, 2010, 12:19:16 PM
your 81 305 would have to be retrofit to use a roller set up which is $$$$ You can get a whole new cam and lifter set for $80 bucks from summit for your 305.
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: 1981 ss chevy on January 03, 2010, 12:49:14 PM
ok sweet new it is then lol thanks vile
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: eventhorizon66 on January 03, 2010, 01:02:19 PM
Hey Vile, do you happen to know if the lifters Summit sells are in fact the "hard-faced" type with the parting line?  These lifter are supposed to be superior to ordinary lifters in terms of wear.

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0607phr_camshaft_basics/photo_16.html
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: three8six on January 03, 2010, 04:51:55 PM
I wonder how their break in would be, and the wear on other parts?
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: 87OldYeller on January 03, 2010, 05:09:15 PM
If you do use a used cam, you have to use the lifters that came with it, and in their original locations on The camshaft.  if you mix them up or use new ones, the cam will self-destruct fairly quickly.

what is quickly? Like 10K miles if that long. I ask because the P.O. of my truck put in a used cam before i bought it and i think he put in new lifters, cause before i sold it i was getting a lot of internal engine noise sounded like a lifter going out. Engine was less than 10K miles.
Title: Re: Used Cam?
Post by: VileZambonie on January 03, 2010, 06:11:28 PM
Event I have a set in my garage from summit and they look like that. Can't say if all of them are as they did recall some a few years ago.