swapping used cam from one engine to another

[AlanCasida]

Is it a good or bad idea to swap a used cam from one motor to another. Here's what I'm looking at doing. I am looking at swapping my 428CJ motor back into my 66 Galaxie. It currently has a real mild Comp Dual Energy cam in it. I have an old Crane Blazer solid flat tappet cam that I ran in my 452FE shortly that has about 200 miles on it at most. It has the old Crane shell lifters that are 25 years old that I saved in correct order. So, rather than spend the money on a new hydraulic roller cam could I run it in my 428CJ. I have a concern about the lifter bore machining differences from block to block, whether it's enough to make a difference so I'm looking for some input. Would be nice to use it rather than ending up just pitching it.   

[blykins]

It's definitely going to be a risk.

Lifter bore position/angle has a lot to do with how a cam breaks in.  That's why I don't put much stock into the services where companies "break cams in for you". 

Will it fail?  Maybe.  Will it work?  Maybe.  You'll have to determine on whether you're willing to give it a try or not.

[AlanCasida]

It's definitely going to be a risk.

Lifter bore position/angle has a lot to do with how a cam breaks in.  That's why I don't put much stock into the services where companies "break cams in for you". 

Will it fail?  Maybe.  Will it work?  Maybe.  You'll have to determine on whether you're willing to give it a try or not.

That was kind of what I was suspecting. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

[hotrodford]

What if you use new lifters?  Just asking.

[66FAIRLANE]

I did it, with trepidation, on my last build but used new lifters and followed normal flat tappet break in procedures.

[67xr7cat]

If the lifters spin you likely be ok. That all said there are cam grinders that can reface your lifters for you which is what I'd do and then break it in like you would a new cam.

[pbf777]

Is it a good or bad idea to swap a used cam from one motor to another.

     A bit of a "crap-shoot"!   

     Scott.

[jayb]

Alan, years ago I did what you are considering successfully a few different times.  But I would always run one of those "dingleball hones" through the lifter bores and check the fit of the lifters in the bores before I tried it.  In one case I remember I had a couple of tight ones, and ended up using a brake cylinder hone to open up those two lifter bores until I was happy with the fit.  I just did it with "feel" on the lifter to bore interface, with whatever oil I was using; I did not have the tools back then to make any precise measurements of the interface.  But it always worked.  If I were you, I'd risk it...