Pre cam and lifter break-in

[astikhossw]

Anyone ever had there cam and lifter broke in on a machine prior to install in the engine if so how did it work out.The reason I ask I found a company that will break in your cam and lifters on a machine for 60.00 bucks.

[art leong]

It's been a while since I used lifters. But I believe that they should be block specific. Think about the fact that you have to keep lifters in order when you take the cam out. When broke in properly lifters wind up with a slight crown. when the wipe they wind up concave.

[astikhossw]

This is a machine that they install all of the lifers in something like a spintron and apply spring pressure to the lifters while oiling them at 2000 rpm for 30 minutes then remove them in order of lifter bore and send them back to you.Just wanted to see if anyone has had there's done like this,seems like an inexpensive way to break in a flat tappet camshaft.

[Myron Piatek]

To elaborate a bit on what Art said, slight variations in OEM blocks can change the contact points. People bush and correct lifter bores because they are not always at the exact same angle.

While it takes a little labor, but little or no cost if you have the originals, breaking in lifters with OEM or other low pressure valve springs works well. Then you replace them with the high pressure springs you will race with.

I never did it any other way. It's just a matter of how anal/cautious you want to be. I'm not saying it won't work. But it's just not quite the same.

[Mike Taylor 3601]

I agree with Art and Myron,in that one block to another or machine will be different, Myself I use break in rockers 1.2 some are 1.3 ratio sbc version lowers lift enough so does'nt see high spring pressure and is easier to swap rockers than springs.
The other day saw some imports that were supposed to be 1.6 that were actually 1.2 would made good break in rockers
Mike Taylor 3601

[Rex Thonen]

What would a good break in rocker for a big block chevy?

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Comp just shows small block,not sure if anyone else makes them may find some china rockers off enough to make good break in rockers probaly 1.5 would be low enough on big block small blocks are 1.3
Mike Taylor 3601

[astikhossw]

Crower sells a 1.4 BB Chevy break in rocker under part number 72882-1ea.