I think I would do edzachary what you are planning....get the cam out and see what the heck it is to start with, and then make a decision on whether or not to use it. Going full roller is kewl and all, if you can afford it, but at the same time, if the cam that's in it now is a nice one that will work well with the combo as built, then there's no real need to change it other than "just 'cause".
Breaking in a flat tappet cam ain't all that hard, as long as the the durn engine will start right off the bat without having to crank on it for days, or mess with adjustment for 30 minutes to get it to idle. By then, the damage is already done. If you plan on having someone else do the break-in/initial tune, then let them handle it. They should be able to double-check everything to make sure it will fire easily first time, and then do the break-in procedure.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks Joel, i did some reading comparing Roller vs flat tappet and while it does offer a HP increase, the horsepower per $ cost is pretty steep. The shop i called charges $600 for break in, test and tune with dyno output sheet. That's less than the cost of that roller cam !

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You could put a degree wheel on it and dial indicator on a valve and develop the spec plus would be a good check to see if it's timed right.

I've read where it's recommended that you add GM's EOS (lots of zinc) to the crankcase for break-in.


|UPDATED|7/15/2016 7:05:02 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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1973 L-82 4 spd

Okay, pulled the cam and it was definitely put together right, had lots of assembly lube on it, but i put a fresh coating when i reinstalled it and re-lashed the valves. 

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Update to the forum. I decided to stick with the cam setup that was in the engine and brought it to a local machine shop who offers the service of breaking the cam in on the stand followed by engine dyno test runs and tuning. After breakin, re-jetting the carb and adjusting valves and timing, the end results are 390 horsepower and 440 lb ft of torque ! 

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It'll loosen up some after it fully breaks in, and the power numbers will go up some. Still, that's a pretty healthy engine!


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Sounds like a keeper.

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Well, it's been a while but with good reason. My Stroker ended up having to get replaced due to a cracked block on the head studs between cylinders 1 and 3 .

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Well...that sux. The new set-up looks gud, tho! 

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Bad news on the cracked block, but you will love the roller cam.

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Mark 


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Wow, another 70 hp!  Just due to the roller cam?  What carb is that.

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