Thread: first 390 build
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11-17-2015 05:28 AM #1
Riley, I'll leave the engine specifics to the others but I'm surprised that no one's mentioned oil choice and your flat tappet cam break in process. You need to run a good racing oil that has zinc/phosphorus (ZDDP) in the 1200 to 1400ppm range to protect high point load surfaces from galling, and you need to follow the cam suppliers recommendations exactly, generally being sure that the engine is ready to fire, light it off and run it at 2000 to 2500 rpm for twenty to twenty five minutes. This establishes the wear pattern that spins the lifters in their bores, and is critical to keeping the lobes from eroding. There are some who say that once broken in you're safe to run regular, over the counter oils, but they have ZDDP levels that are significantly lower, and IMO you'll be at risk.
Also IMO don't fall for the over the counter ZDDP additives. You can get too much zinc/phosphorus in your oil, and that can cause problems that are as bad or worse when excess heavy metal deposits on bearing surfaces, and then galls wear surfaces as it reduces clearances. Buy a good quality racing oil, like Brad Penn's, Joe Gibbs, or even Valvoline's VR1. Just my $0.02 - here's just one of many discussions Death by Oil? - Old Cars WeeklyRoger
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