I heard from a reputable source today that an Olds engine will wipe out a cam lobe every now and then, and that it happens with about one in ten rebuilds. He said that when it happens it is very difficult to determine why. He said that a roller cam should be used which eliminates the problem.

A roller cam is about $700 more expensive than a flat tappet cam.

Is this true?

 

One in ten rebuilds, that sounds pretty scary, Is your reputable source an olds engine builder?

 

I think your reputable source is trying to scare you into something you don't need. Proper assembly and brake it technics plus the proper oil should eliminate almost any problem he is talking about.

 

Flollow brek in instructions and use lighter valve springs for the break in!

 

Proper break in procedure,(with appropriate break in engine oil) with break in lube applied to cam during assembly should keep the cam happy every time.


However, the roller cam idea is worth every penny for a street car.
More power all the way through, longevity, and better fuel economy.

 

One in ten sounded awfully extreme to me. I don't buy it. Can you imagine if that happened at the factory?

 

He is right about the roller cam part though. I don't know about 1 in 10, but it does happen.

 

The factory spring pressures are lower than what you would run with a high performance cam, that along with leaded fuel and pre-emmission zinc laced oil kept cams happy.

 

I have built my share of engines and I'm yet to wipe a cam lobe. I use the lucas assembly lube on the cam and I load it up . Then I use the lucas break in additive with my oil. Fire it up get the timing close and get the rpms in the 2500 rpms range I vary it every few minutes I'll go up for a few then down then back up etc.

 

Yes and no. A roller setup is about $500.00 more, I know, I sell them.
And a roller has other advantages. No worry about oils, less friction which can lead to lower oil temps, and typically more time at max lift.
But years ago, they took the zinc out of the oil about the same time a lot of cam companies had switched to overseas cores and lifters. That just made a mess of everything.
If you follow procedure, you should be fine. But I still think overall a roller is better in the long run.