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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: R-WEST on July 08, 2014, 01:48:38 PM

Title: Mechanical cam in hydraulic block
Post by: R-WEST on July 08, 2014, 01:48:38 PM

After reading price5113's account of his 390 build, and figuring a similar one for my pickup, I'm thinking of an 'old school' setup, with maybe an Isky or Engle pre-high-tech solid cam. 
I know I'll have to fight my way through the power brake booster/brake lines to get at #8  :'( to adjust, but my main concern is - do I need to make any oiling system mods to the block if I decide to use the solids? 
It started life as a 360 from another '76 pickup.
I've read/heard:
1. OMG - you absolutely MUST, or it'll be toast in 1,000 miles (Steve Christ's book).
2. Mehh, don't worry about it (general input from the 'net).
I'm guessing someone here should be able to provide solid (pun!!  ;D) input, per usual.
Thanks!!

Title: Re: Mechanical cam in hydraulic block
Post by: Joe-JDC on July 08, 2014, 02:05:07 PM

I ran a AA solid lifter camshaft in my new Shelby GT 500 with PI intake, adjustable rocker arms, recurved distributor, D oil pan, and Hooker Headers for several years.  No problems.  I still have the Shelby, and still have the origional Hooker headers from that upgrade.  Ford recommended it in the Muscle Parts catalog, along with horsepower increases with each camshaft upgrade, etc.  Joe-JDC

Title: Re: Mechanical cam in hydraulic block
Post by: jayb on July 08, 2014, 02:42:07 PM

The 428CJ that I've been using as a dyno mule now has a Comp 294S solid cam in it, with no mods to the oiling system.  I haven't seen any problems.

Title: Re: Mechanical cam in hydraulic block
Post by: My427stang on July 08, 2014, 06:42:32 PM

My 445 has zero oiling mods as well, aside from good blueprinting, with solids and dumbbell lifters.

No issues at all. 

Title: Re: Mechanical cam in hydraulic block
Post by: R-WEST on July 08, 2014, 11:14:32 PM

Super!!  Thanks guys.

I got the same response at Barry's forum, but figured I'd ask here too.   :-[

Now, which cam to choose.. 
Engle HL-74; Isky EE-360; Comp 282; Crower 278FDP; Lunati 30330511; Howards 252342-10 or 251672-08... Decisions, decisions.. :-\

I'm pretty much set on Crower's shell type lifters, and a local old-time FE dirt track racer/builder  is telling me he can get some OEM style adjustable  rockers, so, the search continues. 

Title: Re: Mechanical cam in hydraulic block
Post by: Ford428CJ on July 09, 2014, 09:37:37 AM

If it makes you feel better. I used a solid roller in my 428 without oil mods for years. Never an issue and worked like it should! JMHO
 ;)