Cam Tips

• Cam Tip 1: I strongly recommend you install new lifters (aka tappets) and pushrods if cams are being replaced. According to Nemesis Racing and Crane Cams (designer of SpeedStar roller cams): Each lifter will break-in to properly fit and rotate on its cam-lobe, and with its pushrod. Once broken in together, they will not match any other lobe or pushrod. If this microscopic surface fitment is disturbed, some component(s) may fail prematurely.
• Cam Tip 2: Used cams can be successfully paired with new lifters.
• Cam Tip 3: If you are reusing your cams, lifters, and pushrods, be completely sure of which lifter and pushrod goes where--or replace them.
• Cam Tip 4: If you have not removed your cams (perhaps because you were only working on the transmission, or crank-shaft, or connecting rods, and such) you do not need to remove them in order to reassemble the engine. As long as the inner cam cover has not been removed (which removes the cams), the cams will remain in perfect alignment with each other. You are golden.

Take picts.

Clean and oil O-rings for the lifter-blocks. Then, for each lifter-block, install:

• One large and thicker O-ring
• One large and normal thickness O-ring
• One tiny O-ring, to be laid in the top of the lifter-block base. See photo below. Tip: I use silicone grease on this little guy, to keep it in place during installation.

Install the lifter-blocks by firmly pressing them down into the lifter-block bases. Be sure to test fit, prior to pressing down, as each block is designed to fit only one hole, and only in one orientation.

If you have removed them, re-install the 'sight screws' in the lifter-block bases using a copper washer under each. These are the three little, button-head screws--one for the front lifter-base, and two for the rear. See photo below. Tip: Do this now, before installing the camshaft cover.