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Cam break-in question...

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Old Feb 17, 2003 | 09:22 PM
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Default Cam break-in question...

I'll know within a few days whether or not I'll have enough valve/piston clearance to upgrade to the cam I want. Assuming that's OK, here's my question-

Since I'm due for an oil change anyway, should I just hold off & break the cam in with the Mobil 1 10/30w that's in there now & change to fresh after break-in? Or should I change it now to a non-synthetic for the cam break-in & change back to synthetic afterwards??? I don't see the downside to running synthetic for this. It's not like I'm worried about seating the rings, but I just wanna make sure I'm not missing something. :cheers:
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Old Feb 18, 2003 | 02:16 PM
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Default Re: Cam break-in question... (Les)

I thought synthetic was not good for breaking in an engine. Wouldn't that include the cam and lifters. You would also want to get at least a few hundred miles on the cam before switching back to synthetic. Lifters quickly seat themselves to the cam so they are mated for life, I am talking about flat tappet. Rollers can be switched onced used but not flat tappet.
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Old Feb 18, 2003 | 02:33 PM
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Default Re: Cam break-in question... (Les)

After considerable analysis of the available data I'm moving away from synthetic.

I used to run Mobil 1, but for my new 468 engine I'm switching to Castrol RX Super Heavy Duty 15w-40, looks to be a better lubricant for Very High Performance engines (better combination of additives). I'll be adding GM EOS for cam break in run (flat/solid cam).

Sure the synthetic may last longer, but I want the best lubrication...... oil is cheap, engine parts are not.

Check out the link below, you can get it at "Autozone"
http://www.castrolusa.com/products/p...1&product_id=2




[Modified by 66427-450, 2:33 PM 2/18/2003]
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Old Feb 18, 2003 | 09:34 PM
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Default Re: Cam break-in question... (Les)

Several, if not all cam grinders, specifically recommend AGAINST using a synthetic oil for flat tappet cam break in. Some will not warantee a cam that was broken in with synthetic oil. Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!
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Old Feb 19, 2003 | 06:23 AM
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Default Re: Cam break-in question... (CFI-EFI)

:iagree: , but would still ask the cam grinder. I am sure they have seen their share of warranty claims and have a policy on this very question :yesnod:
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Old Feb 19, 2003 | 03:05 PM
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Default Re: Cam break-in question... (ALLTHROTTLE&NOBOTTLE)

:iagree: , but would still ask the cam grinder. I am sure they have seen their share of warranty claims and have a policy on this very question :yesnod:
Thanks for the replies guys- and this is exactly what I'll do. You can't go wrong with going straight to the man. I was gonna order directly from the maker anyway, so I'll take care of both then. I was just trying to get as many of the small things done in advance before tearing into it. :cheers:
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