Cam Recommendations?

[blykins]

I would still use a small break-in period.

Yes, the lifters have been burnished to that camshaft, but the lifter bore positions vary from block to block, and even the lifter bore clearances vary.

A lot of guys buy cams already broken in from Cam Research, since they have a "cam break-in machine" and I have heard of several instances of the cams failing even after that procedure.

Not trying to be a negative Nancy, but just urging you to be cautious.

[FatBoy]

Point taken.

[Dominik]

Originally Posted by blykins

I would still use a small break-in period.

... but the lifter bore positions vary from block to block, and even the lifter bore clearances vary.

Thanks for that. I've been telling people since years that swapping a cam&lifter from one block in another may lead to premature loss of cam lobes.

[FatBoy]

Hi and Merry Christmas,

I'm compiling my shopping list of parts required to reassemble my 427. I'm planning to fit new mains and rod bearings, but I'm baffled by the array of options and manufacturers with widely varying prices.
Can I have some recommendations from those in the know please? My rod journals are std. and the mains are -0.020".
I was also going to buy a taper piston ring compressor sleeve, but I couldn't work out which size I need as none of them on the Summit website seem to match the 427 bore size.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

[blykins]

Not much choice in main bearings for .020" under. I'd use a King 559AM020 for the mains. Federal Mogul 8-7170CH for the rods.

If you want a performance bearing for the mains, you can also grab a set of Federal Mogul 146M20 bearings and grind the tangs off. They are Cleveland bearings, but the Cleveland shares the same main bore housing diameter as the FE; just the tangs that are different.

For a ring compressor, you'll probably have to go to an adjustable one.

[Dominik]

I also suggest an adjustable ring compressor. They come in a set from Snap-On (Blue Point?) with a ratchet to hold the compressor ring closed. Oil everything well and hit the piston with a purpose that the piston rings have no time to expand the very moment when they slide in.

The ratchet registers offset on the ring compressor. Place the lower end towards the bore and square the ring when you hit home.

If you have studs on the rods, sleeve with fuel hose that they won’t nick the journals.
No oil between the bearing halves and the rod/main.

There are a 100+ more engine building tips, but I guess you did your research :-)


Merry Christmas!

[FatBoy]

Thank you. I have Le Mans rods, so no studs to worry about.
Why no oil on the bearing halves? 🤔

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by Dominik

Thanks for that. I've been telling people since years that swapping a cam&lifter from one block in another may lead to premature loss of cam lobes.

Yes + 1.

The lifters are considered used. Swapping a cam to another engine needs new lifters.