Thread: olds 455 cam install, Valvetrain adjustment Help!!

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Broken cam in the old 455 , i'm installing a compcam along wit some lifters. I've lost touch messing with the old pushrodder's engine so need your guys help adjusting the valvetrain. correct me if i'm wrong but, piston #1 TDC adjust closed valves by tightining them to the max, then going back 3/4 turn?? it been a wiel

The valves adjust like any GM V8. I prefer setting cold, and then running the engine and setting by ear.
I did a cam swap on my 72 Classic cruiser. It was part of my resto project. It was the last year of the round headlights. A two door, with vinyl top.
The cam swap was the best thing I could have done. I also did a full valve job, head planing. I went with headers and duals.
My fuel mileage jumped up, the engine really had off line power, and except for a little lope at idle, she was a dream. I did rebuild the Quadrajet. She was a real sleeper. The only external evidence of a rat motor, was the dual 3"rear exhaust outlets, and 255/70-15 tires. I went full poly suspension, heavy duty shocks, and for a road car, it was a joy to drive.
I do not remember the specs on the cam, but, it was a Blue Racer. It came alive at 1000rpm, and peaked at 2800rpm. It was all bottom end.
The headers fried my starter solenoid. A little prevention would have made a difference. It would start, but it wouldn't let go once it started.
That massive two door, once the cam broke in, was a really pleasant experience. I would do it again.

Correct me if I'm wrong....Last time I did any olds engines the had non-adjustable valve train? All the 350's, 400's and 455's I have worked on (Oldsmobile) had rocker saddles tying two rockers together and a hold down nut on eack rocker that had to be torqued?

Other wise you had to mill the rocker boss to accept screw in studs?

Right they do have "rocker saddles tying two rockers together" does this mean you just torque em down??

Yep. If you haven't decked the block, cut the heads, or changed the thickness of the stock head gasket or pushrod length, you'll be right on the money.