I'm diving down the "while I'm here, I might as well" rabbit hole. I have a good little 1965 300 that ill be driving till the new motor is ready to go in. Considering a new camshaft since I'll be doing the timing chain anyway. Looking to find out how much lift I can get away with on a hydraulic flat tappet without doing any machine work on the heads. Some grinds go as high as 0.525" with 1.6 ratio rockers. What's the limit with my constraints? P. S. I did browse the 300 build thread but got a bit lost looking. Apologies if this has been covered before.
I think about .460 lift max before the retainer hits the guide. I've always cut the guides down for .530 Viton seals myself and used Z28 springs. Stock springs are pretty weak and float the valves at around 5000RPM. Crower 50230 cam works without cutting but I like the 50232 better.
See my post, cam for sale. Cheers https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/340-cam-lifters-pushrods-for-sale.385535/
Ah. I was shooting for the moon with the 50234, but the 50230 is probably not a bad way to go. Will be replacing the springs for sure. Thx for the help
Is the original cam worn out? If not, I’d run the sticker especially if this engine is just a temporary, no sense risking a break in if it goes wrong on a temporary engine.
The engine is very healthy as is but needs maintenance. Carb rebuild, weak fuel pump, leaky front main seal, that sort of thing. It has strong oil pressure, and good compression (judging from my butt dyno). I will be driving it long distances so I also want the timing set done for peace of mind. It's just too far in to not mess with the cam too . I hear you on the risk vs. Reward. I'll have to see how adventurous I'm feeling when I get there.
IF you do pull the cam, you'll see the cam bearings then think " WOW, kinda rough, I should replace those too" Number one cam bearing is doable in car, but the other 4 is a crap shoot, I've done #1 thru 4 in chassis, its NOT easy, #5 the engine HAS to come out or the trans. removed. Cam bearings are the first parts to be installed upon engine assembly.
If you do go for the 50230, Ive got one that was in the engine but never ran. Put it in but then decided to switch heads so I needed a custom cam. If you're interested I'll send pictures.
