Author Topic: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?  (Read 6297 times)

Z10Mike

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Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« on: October 12, 2015, 06:51:12 PM »
I found my used 346 cam in the top of the garage the other day and it looks new.  Problem is I can't find the lifters.  Is this cam just fit for the recycle bin or can it be run with new lifters?  I heard that lifters with the oil holes on the face will allow use of used cams.   Any thoughts on this?

ko-lek-tor

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2015, 07:11:57 PM »
My understanding:
New Cam- new lifters=ok
used cam-matched used lifters(kept in order)=ok
used cam-new lifters=ok.....what you have or will have.
new cam-used lifters=not ok

We did this long before holes were EDM'd in the bottom of the lifter.

Some of my buddies did some real yay-hoo stuff, like using used lifters from several engines on a used cam from even another engine.
I even put a cam I got out of an engine I bought BITD and put it in the 307 in my P-Up with a set of used lifters I had. Worked!

Heavy spring press. will do in a cam pre-maturely, Use factory or recommended springs.
Bentley to friends :1969 SS/RS 396 owned 79
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69Z28-RS

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2015, 07:54:06 PM »
Bentley's 'understanding' is the same as the common 'wisdom' that I've grown up with as well...
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
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z28z11

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2015, 11:32:25 PM »
Amen - did the used cam/new lifters in the past. Use new cam/new lifters break in protocol with the proper cam lube, zinc/phosphorus based oils. proper spring rate. Should not be a problem -

Regards -
1968 Z28 M21/U17 BRG/W 1967 Chevy ll Nova SS 
1969 Z28 X77/M20/VE3 LeMans/W
1969 L78 X66/N66 Cortez/BVT
1969 Z11 L48/M35/C60/C06  1949 3100 5wd 235/6

Z10Mike

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2015, 12:03:04 PM »
New lifters it is with the original cam.  Thanks to all for the feedback. 

L78 steve

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2015, 04:38:20 PM »
Probably wont work. Put a white stripe on the top of the push rods and note if they are spinning at start up. If not neither are the corresponding lifters.
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JohnZ

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2015, 05:33:10 PM »
I wouldn't risk a teardown on a mix of used and new parts, especially when you can buy a perfect blueprint duplicate of that cam from Federal-Mogul/Speed-Pro for a little over a hundred bucks. But that's just me.  :)
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Z10Mike

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #7 on: October 14, 2015, 06:42:08 PM »
Glad I checked back in to read the feedback.  Guess I can put in on a shelf for display in the man cave along with my orphan RA-V Pontiac carb. 

z28z11

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #8 on: October 15, 2015, 12:57:57 AM »
Or, stick it on eBay and pay for the replacement camshaft - there are quite a few potential buyers out there that would rather have a genuine original camshaft in play than a potential offshore reproduction. If you can guarantee it's made in the US, I would feel better about it.
Remember, GM service manuals used to promote servicing used lifters, actually a regrinding of the lifter face, which would be very similar to using a new lifter as you would have to break them in just as if replacing with new.
If you're afraid of it, use a new one. I've got two used ones - one is going in the X77 when it takes it's turn.

Just my opinion - for what it's worth.
1968 Z28 M21/U17 BRG/W 1967 Chevy ll Nova SS 
1969 Z28 X77/M20/VE3 LeMans/W
1969 L78 X66/N66 Cortez/BVT
1969 Z11 L48/M35/C60/C06  1949 3100 5wd 235/6

z28z11

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #9 on: October 15, 2015, 01:48:38 AM »
Actually, I left out a step - see the following page from the Chassis Overhaul Manual ('70) for mechanical lifter service and replacement - recommendation is to lap the bottom of the new lifter with 600 grit emery cloth to even out the grinding marks before installing on a used camshaft. Break in recommendations remained.

By this date (and probably a lot earlier), the measurement of wear and refinishing statement had been replaced by the notation to replace. Disassembly of mechanical was discouraged, but the disassembly/inspection of hydraulics was still in the book.

Regards,
Steve
1968 Z28 M21/U17 BRG/W 1967 Chevy ll Nova SS 
1969 Z28 X77/M20/VE3 LeMans/W
1969 L78 X66/N66 Cortez/BVT
1969 Z11 L48/M35/C60/C06  1949 3100 5wd 235/6

69Z28-RS

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Re: Used Z28 346 Cam - OK with new lifters?
« Reply #10 on: October 15, 2015, 03:24:50 AM »
Or, stick it on eBay and pay for the replacement camshaft - there are quite a few potential buyers out there that would rather have a genuine original camshaft in play than a potential offshore reproduction. If you can guarantee it's made in the US, I would feel better about it.
Remember, GM service manuals used to promote servicing used lifters, actually a regrinding of the lifter face, which would be very similar to using a new lifter as you would have to break them in just as if replacing with new.
If you're afraid of it, use a new one. I've got two used ones - one is going in the X77 when it takes it's turn.

Just my opinion - for what it's worth.

I'm in agreement, Steve..  :)
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan