camshaft failure

[Tuna Joe]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

There are solid roller conversions that will minimize the risk of failure and still have the "sound" that the tappets make. Find, or have made, a grind that is very similar to original and use that instead. Is anyone going to know if it's an original style tappet or roller lifter making the ticking noise?

My other 69’ Corvette 427/435 has a roller installed by the PO. But he had to put these wonky valve cover spacers on that I really don’t want on my new build.
I just assumed that the rollers needed more vertical space but maybe they don’t? Perhaps it was just the brand or make of the rockers?

[Too Many Projects]

Probably has roller rockers too with the adjustment for clearance at the push rod. They are taller than original style rockers. The roller lifter conversion is all in the lifter valley and makes no difference under the valve cover. The strap is the only significant addition and it prevents the lifters from spinning.

[Tuna Joe]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

Probably has roller rockers too with the adjustment for clearance at the push rod. They are taller than original style rockers. The roller lifter conversion is all in the lifter valley and makes no difference under the valve cover. The strap is the only significant addition and it prevents the lifters from spinning.

The car does have roller rockers.
Good stuff, thank you

[OneStopRestoration]

Originally Posted by thehornworks

I been reading a lot about new solid camshaft and lifter failure on start up. I have a new Comp cam in my 69 Z28. Hasn't been fired yet. A engine builder I know said he won't build a motor with a solid cam because of all the failures. Any input is appreciated.

My father and I have built dozens of motors over the years. Our engine machine shop normally went with Comp products. Never had any issues untill about 2 or 3 months back. Started up a 66 375hp solid lifter motor with a blueprint cam. Out of caution we even used some Johnson lifters along with Joe Gibbs break in oil. Cam lost 6 lobes after 15mins of break in. One lobe as I recall lost .040-.050. Another wore itself into the lifter and made a nice .020 deep hole.

We decided because of the time and money we spend on these cars to go with Erson Roller cams. They have a very nice grind thats not in the catalogue but very closely matches an L78 or LS6 solid lifter cam. We used hydraulic rollers. Started the motor on the stand 3 weeks back and extremly happy with how the engine ran and sounded. We are currently converting over 2 more L78s we had planned to start. If you get them on the phone I would simply talk about what you have and askf if they have grind as a roller equivalent.

I did alot of research on the mater. Its difficult to get anyone to really admit to what is different or going wrong.

[SPEEDYB]

Originally Posted by OneStopRestoration

My father and I have built dozens of motors over the years. Our engine machine shop normally went with Comp products. Never had any issues untill about 2 or 3 months back. Started up a 66 375hp solid lifter motor with a blueprint cam. Out of caution we even used some Johnson lifters along with Joe Gibbs break in oil. Cam lost 6 lobes after 15mins of break in. One lobe as I recall lost .040-.050. Another wore itself into the lifter and made a nice .020 deep hole.

We decided because of the time and money we spend on these cars to go with Erson Roller cams. They have a very nice grind thats not in the catalogue but very closely matches an L78 or LS6 solid lifter cam. We used hydraulic rollers. Started the motor on the stand 3 weeks back and extremly happy with how the engine ran and sounded. We are currently converting over 2 more L78s we had planned to start. If you get them on the phone I would simply talk about what you have and askf if they have grind as a roller equivalent.

I did alot of research on the mater. Its difficult to get anyone to really admit to what is different or going wrong.

Are the engines as quiet as a hyd. flat tappet?

[Lynn]

I run stock rockers with the two roller cam motors I built. Stock valve covers; no spacers.

[mprice]

I have 2 friends that have had 3 separate cases where the cam went flat on break in. The proper break in oil and springs were used. In all cases it was with comp cams and lifters and from what I have heard they still refuse to admit they have a problem. Never again will I purchase a comp cam.

[Lynn]

SPEEDYB

Just as quiet.

[OneStopRestoration]

SpeedyB

Its pretty quiet, however the exhaust note is on par. For a little more money you could go solid rollers, to get back lifter tick. I considered that but deicded the hyd roller was my route from now on.

[Crossbreed383]

Good morning everyone..
Please re-read post #14
I tried to politely give the reason without throwing any companies under the bus, but
hey, looks like multiple people in here have seen the same from said company.
It is a core issue, plain and simple .
Thanks