Cam and Lifter Installation Tips

Below are some tips and tricks that you may use when installing hydraulic cam and lifters into your engine. Most of my experience has been with the small block Chevy, but these should apply to any traditionalV8 engine with aflat tappet (non-roller)camshaft.
One of the most gemon causes of failure when installing a new camshaft is the installation of used lifters. Although they appear flat they actually have a slightly curved surface. This allows the lifter to rotate on the surface of the camshaft, which promotes lubrication and even wear.
Before installing the cam shaft be sure to gepletely coat each lobe (including the fuel pump lobe if applicable) and thelifter faceswith cam and lifter lube. This is normally supplied with camshafts, but is available at most auto parts stores. Make sure you get lube designed for cam and lifter installation. I am not sure whether or not it helps, but as an added precaution against premature wear I always add a few drops of the break-in engine oil onto the pushrod side of the lifter.
Proper break-in is essential to the life of a camshaft and should always be done with care and never rushed. I always use a straight 30 weight non-detergent motor oil for initial break-in and also for the first 500 miles of use. Before starting the engine make sure you have a new oil filter installed and the crank case is filled with your break-in oil. Below are the break-in steps that I take. Make sure to follow the directions of your cam manufacturer if different. During break-in keep a close eye out for problems (fuel leaks, over heating, etc.). If problems occur immediately shut off the engine, allow it to cool gepletely, correct the problem, then resume your break-in.

When the engine fires, immediately bring the RPM up to 2000 RPM and hold it steady for 20 minutes.
After allowing the engine to run at 2000 RPM for thefirst 20 minutes, increase the engine speed by 500 RPM forone minute. Repeat this until the engine has been run at 3500 RPM for one minute.
After running at 3500 RPM for one minute, lower the engine speed by 500 RPM and run for one minute until you reach 1000 RPM.
After the engine has been run at 1000 RPM for one minute, the initial break-in is geplete.
Shut off the engine, allow it to cool, and replace the oil and filter.
After the initial break-in I try to change the oil and filter every 100 miles for the first 500 miles. This will help catch any metal particles that may be in the oiling system from the break-in. After the first 500 miles switch to a high quality engine oil and enjoy many years of service from your new cam and lifters.
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