I have been debating for the past two weeks whether to replace the cam in my '77 L82. After much procrastination, I pulled it Sat.. The lifters show more wear than I expected. Bottoms of all lifters are still convex but just barely. You can't feel any of the blemishes on lifers. I am thinking it is time to call Lunati. What do you guys see as far as causes? All cam lobes are smooth. mike...

 

Most lifter wear is at break in. You always have to replace lifters when you replace the cam. Looks normal to me. Buy a new cam and lifter set and go at it. Good time to go with a roller cam.

 

Engine in car or out?

 

I see nothing wrong with those lifters. There is a bit of a circular score/scuff on one, but it didn't progress, so NBD. If the cam is smooth and flat, and it performs as you want it to, leave it alone and put the lifters back in their original positions. Otherwise, change cam and lifters/rods to a new setup as you wish.

 

Engine still in car but not by much. This all started with a water pump seal failure. Thinking of going with a overdrive trans. and had been advised the stock L82 cam would not like to cruise at low RPM. New Lunati cam, lifters, springs and timing set to be installed. Thanks, mike...

 

L82 /L46 cam is a decent camshaft but needs high compression (11.00:1) and domed pistons (70 model year) and good heads to get some performance from it. Some who have the 70 vette with the L46 engine have said it is a bit of a dog off the line but still fun to drive. There are hydro flat tappet cams with steep ramps and are dual pattern cams. But the prevailing opinions today on the forum is that roller cams are the way to go due to the high failure rate of flat tappets due to improper break in procedures, reduced zddp content in motor oils, etc and the "work" required to properly break in a flat tappet cam. This opinion does have evidence. However, for some a roller cam/lifter may not be in the budget for some kits are $700+. Some view installing a roller cam/lifter setup as "cheap insurance" against cam failure. Also the install and drive with the roller set up is also attractive. So the choice is yours. Roller cam: Expensive, "plug and play" installation, peace of mind about cam failure. Flat Tappet: Reasonably priced, follow strict installation proceedures for break in, find good motor oil with adaquate amount of zddp, possible cam failure. Who knows maybe the cam manufacturers will stop making flat tappet cams altogether. Good luck with your choice.

 

Or, maybe they will start making them out of 'good', clean steel and harden them properly...