H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

So Saturday night I had a conversation with my buddy Al who probably luckily steered me to swapping springs to break in the cam/lifters. Today (Monday) I sourced everything necessary to finish it up tomorrow, then we'll start thinking about a fire up.

[FED 387]

Todd if you really want to use those Chevrolet valve covers get some Ridgeway or Moroso valve cover spacers -- that should do the trick

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by FED 387

Todd if you really want to use those Chevrolet valve covers get some Ridgeway or Moroso valve cover spacers -- that should do the trick

Yes sir, got some on the way as we type.

[Mark Yacavone]

I'm sure it's here somewhere, but why the new cam? What's different about it?

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

I'm sure it's here somewhere, but why the new cam? What's different about it?

Mark, the cam is the same, I did send it out and had it profiled so I have a cam card. The lifters are being swapped out, that's why I'm breaking it in.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Just a little info for everyone, seems a lot of people are running the PAC 1409X springs on their stockers. I had some issues finding an ID locator spring cup that would work because well, they didn't make one. Ended up having to make some for this particular head. When I questioned PAC, although they didn't recommend it, they said most were more than likely just throwing the 1409Xs in the head without a cup. Now fast forward to having my break in rockers not work, I needed a solution for a light spring for break-in. I ran across a direct drop in that works perfectly with the cup and the retainer from the 1409X... they're factory beehive Dodge Viper springs that will show about 85lbs at 1.800 (closed). Hope this helps someone in the future.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Pretty much done with the engine, me and Autumn went down and swapped springs today after she got out of school. We'll throw some oil in it tomorrow, start breaking in the cam and heat cycling the piston coating. I have to pick up some longer valve cover bolts too.

[Wayne Kerr]

Originally Posted by Nmbr1GMfan

Just a little info for everyone, seems a lot of people are running the PAC 1409X springs on their stockers. I had some issues finding an ID locator spring cup that would work because well, they didn't make one. Ended up having to make some for this particular head. When I questioned PAC, although they didn't recommend it, they said most were more than likely just throwing the 1409Xs in the head without a cup. Now fast forward to having my break in rockers not work, I needed a solution for a light spring for break-in. I ran across a direct drop in that works perfectly with the cup and the retainer from the 1409X... they're factory beehive Dodge Viper springs that will show about 85lbs at 1.800 (closed). Hope this helps someone in the future.

Have you considered making power runs with the "Viper" springs? I wouldn't be surprised if they are pretty good for your combination.

See you at the races,
Wayne Kerr

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Nmbr1GMfan

Mark, the cam is the same, I did send it out and had it profiled so I have a cam card. The lifters are being swapped out, that's why I'm breaking it in.

Gotcha .
You probably would have been alright without the extra steps. I won't even tell anyone what we did on a recent one. I don't want to give anyone any ideas. It broke in and runs fine though.
A good moly lube and some Lucas zinc additive helps a bunch, I think.