New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

[Fred M.]

I recently was informed mixing a new camshaft with used lifters is a mix that will prematurly cause wear to the cam lobes and/or lifters. For what it's worth the lifters (solid in this case) shows little or no wear. Anyone experienced this or know any stats concerning this subject? The car in question is a '64 327/365 but using the Compcam 30-30 equivilent camshaft. Thanks.

[Harry S.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

There is a wear pattern on the lifters from the old cam.

Why chance it. A new set of lifters is a whole lot less expensive and time consuming than taking that engine apart again!

[Tom H.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

I am no expert in the area at all, but I would not mix the used lifters on a new cam. That's just me though.

[Jim D.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

Penny smart, pound foolish. In order to save a few dollars, you're risking replacing both the cam and lifters plus the labor. Don't do it.

[Clem Z.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

if the bottoms of the lifters are "convex" and show no wear they can be used over again. we dyno tested lots of cams using the same set of lifters. the chevy power manual even states you can this.

[Alexander C.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

If they really look like new, then go for it but ONLY if they go back in the exact same bores they came out of. I'd replace them just to be safe and I would hone the lifter bores, that's my $0.02

[Dick W.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

Back in the stone ages when we were building hemi race engines, unless there was a lifter or cam failure, we always just dumped the lifters in a pile. Before we would reinstall them on a cam we would take fine emory cloth and under a bath of stoddard solvent, we would polish the mating surface of the lifter in a circular pattern.

[Duke W.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

I recently was informed mixing a new camshaft with used lifters is a mix that will prematurly cause wear to the cam lobes and/or lifters. For what it's worth the lifters (solid in this case) shows little or no wear. Anyone experienced this or know any stats concerning this subject? The car in question is a '64 327/365 but using the Compcam 30-30 equivilent camshaft. Thanks.

"Equivalent!" Right!

Send it back and buy a real built-to-print cam from a quality vendor like Federal Mogul, Dana, or Crane. It's been discussed a zillion times.

You're lucky if a Comp Cams cam doesn't wipe a lobe even with new lifters.

Duke

[Keith B.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

"Equivalent!" Right!

Send it back and buy a real built-to-print cam from a quality vendor like Federal Mogul, Dana, or Crane. It's been discussed a zillion times.

You're lucky if a Comp Cams cam doesn't wipe a lobe even with new lifters.

Duke

so your saying my new Crane cam is a better choice then a comp.

[Michael F.]

Re: New Cam and Used Solid Lifters

so your saying my new Crane cam is a better choice then a comp.

All of the cam makers make excellent products. But they aren't designing their cams for use with cast iron exhausts and stock intakes.

Not sure about Crane. But Comp cams so called 30-30 is comp cams interpretation of it. The specs are not even close to the original 30-30 cam. They advertise it as a one fit all for the 097, 30-30, LT-1 cams all of which have different specs from on another. They do this to capitalize on those looking for an "original" grind. But don't know the specs.

Speed Pro makes the 30-30 with the exact specs of the GM 30-30

NEVER use old lifter with a new cam.

The cam with lifters will run about $200 you want the CS118R. That number and cam have been well researched here and on the Corvette Forum. It's the rreal deal.

http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,8,partnum,CS118R,d,SEALED_POWER_CS118R.html