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Old May 28, 2010 | 01:39 PM
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Default Question about cam break in...

So I'm putting in a used LS6 cam and springs in a week or so. I know, I know, it's not worth it, blah, blah, blah. I have very little money to throw around right now and this is costing me VERY little. Anyway...

So my question is, since I'm installing all used parts except for the pushrods, does the cam need any break in time? Do I still have to change the oil after 100 miles, or can I just let it go until the next oil change?

Thanks.
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Old May 28, 2010 | 02:06 PM
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Roller cams require no break in...... Drive it like ya stole it
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Old May 28, 2010 | 02:13 PM
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Exactly, there is no real break in required for roller cams these days. Break in's were for the hydraulic old school cams.

The only thing that needs some cycling are the valve springs when using a high lift camshaft, which you are not.

So stick it in and RUN IT !
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Old May 28, 2010 | 03:18 PM
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Break in? Whats that? Hell my car would have been screwed haha!
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Old May 28, 2010 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by supersick99z
Break in? Whats that? Hell my car would have been screwed haha!
"Break in" = burnout just prior to staging.
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Old May 28, 2010 | 11:18 PM
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Nice. Thanks guys.
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Old May 29, 2010 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Darkman
"Break in" = burnout just prior to staging.
I couldn't agree more
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Old May 29, 2010 | 09:02 PM
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as recommended by most cam manufacturers..including Comp Cams...
a short break in period after initial install...
use assembly lube to put it together...
upon start up bring motor to approximately 2000-2500 rpm for 15-20 minutes...
allowing the motor to get to full operating temperatures and ensuring that all assembly lube gets circulated and thinned out into the oil...
drain and replace oil...
drive it away.

springs break in is a whole different story... so dont go WOT right away with a new cam and new springs...
couple of heat cycles and work your way up to higher rpm's each time you run the car......avoid knock at all costs...knock can cause sudden jerking and stress that can prematurely weaken new springs
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Old May 30, 2010 | 12:48 AM
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Originally Posted by soundengineer
as recommended by most cam manufacturers..including Comp Cams...
a short break in period after initial install...
use assembly lube to put it together...
upon start up bring motor to approximately 2000-2500 rpm for 15-20 minutes...
allowing the motor to get to full operating temperatures and ensuring that all assembly lube gets circulated and thinned out into the oil...
drain and replace oil...
drive it away.

springs break in is a whole different story... so dont go WOT right away with a new cam and new springs...
couple of heat cycles and work your way up to higher rpm's each time you run the car......avoid knock at all costs...knock can cause sudden jerking and stress that can prematurely weaken new springs
I agree with the assembly lube when installing everything. A couple of heat cycles is also good before beating on it. Better safe than sorry.
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Old May 30, 2010 | 11:23 AM
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I did three heat cycles (turn car on, let run until reaching operating temp, shut off)

then let it idle for awhile just sitting there. Then i beat the hell out of it !
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