Installing a solid cam

[machone]

Hi, What needs to be done to install a solid lifter cam into a 428 engine currently running a hydralic setup?

thanks

[jayb]

Cam, lifters, and adjustable rockers.  You'd be wise to get the springs recommended for the cam, and also rocker shaft end supports, but they are not absolutely required.  Some people recommend blocking oil to the lifter galleries, but that is not really necessary.

[cjshaker]

Pushrods also.

[jayb]

How did I forget those? 

[Stangman]

Some Brad penn breakin oil would also be a good idea, I also left the inner spring out this time although I usaully dont but supposedly the lifters arent as good as they used to be 10 - 15 years ago, and all the guys on the forum said I should and they know their shit.

[cammerfe]

When you've had the sort of failure that results in 'tossing' a solid lifter and observe the carnage caused by the massive oil leak that's part of the scenario, you may be led to rethinking the solid lifter oiling shut-off. It's not always necessary but it isn't hard to do, either.

KS

[My427stang]

Pros and cons with everything.  Blocking allows a little more oil control and allows some emergency protection as Ken said, but not blocking allows the use of EDM lifters to add a little more oil

I run a center oiler that Ford designed with no oil and a 445 based on a 360 block that I leave wide open, both have good oil pressure and run well. 

[machone]

Ok, I have adjustable rockers and shaft end supports already, just wasnt sure about the oiling restriction side of it, but if I can use EDM lifters then no problems I hope.
Plan on running the Comp cams FB294B-8, with the appropriate springs, retainers, locks.
What type of pushrod should I get?
Naz

[GJCAT427]

At Beaver Springs I had a talk with Blair about blocking the oil passages on my 68 sideoiler with the dual system, Long story short he suggested tapping the oil feed passages and installing plugs and drilling them .030 to bleed some oil to the lifters. The lifters I got from him have modified sides to let oil dropdown to the cam to keep oil on it. Get ahold of him and he can explain it in greater detail.

[Joe-JDC]

I installed the 427 AA camshaft in my Shelby 428 CJ with shell lifters, longer pushrods, adjustable rocker arms, and stronger springs.  Never had an issue.  Easiest modification for performance to FE besides headers, re-curved distributor, and aluminum intake.  Joe-JDC

[GJCAT427]

I also installed a "AA" cam in a 428CJ I had in my 56 F100 yrs ago. It never gave me any problems for 30,000 miles. then one day it wiped a lobe. I then built a NOS 427 which now resides in the truck. First rendering I used another "AA" cam and it worked like a charm. 7 yrs ago I rebuilt the truck and updated the motor with fairly new Med riser heads and the "B" cam. It runs like a clock and makes excellent power. The block is a late dual oiler and I put rods in the cross feed holes. No trouble with this mod. My next 427 is a 68 block with the dual oiling, this is what I talked to Blair about and got the modified shell lifters for a "D" cam intall.

[machone]

So, with my CJ block installing the modified shell lifters (EDM's i take it) is sufficient as a primary step to going to a solid cam?

Modifying the oil passages is also recommended but not necessary?  Motor is in car and running so I might want to avoid drilling and tapping oil passages(unless it can be done in car)?

thanks guys

[jayb]

Just my opinion, but especially if it is in the car, don't worry about blocking or restricting oil the the lifter galleries.  Install the cam and lifters and run it.  Lots of outfits make good pushrods, but if you are going to be running a Comp cam and lifters, I'd probably get the pushrods from them.  Alternatively, you could mock everything up and measure for pushrods, and then get some of the correct length from Smith Brothers or Trend.

[machone]

Jay
Thats probably what I needed to know.
So as someone suggested do I need to run EDM lifters or regular solids?

Thanks
Naz

[jayb]

I've always just run regular solids in that situation.  EDMs wouldn't hurt and may give you a margin of safety, but I don't have any experience with them so I can't share any real world experiences there.