We really have no trade secrets we just try to do things right. Here are some things that we feel are important to flat lifter cam survival. These items must work because we have almost no failures. Many of these items have already been mentioned but I will run though it anyway:
1) Proper installation:
A) Make sure all components are clean and free of any dents, nicks, or burrs.
B) Coat all lobes and lifter bottoms with cam lube.
C) Have proper springs installed and set-up correctly (for .450" lift cam 90-100 lbs. on the seat and approx. 220lbs open)
D) Make sure valves can open fully with no interferance or binding (rockers will allow lift, pushrods don't bind, retainers clear valve seals at full valve lift, and springs do not coil bind).
E) Use GM lifters (we keep them in stock and highly recommend them with all of our Buick v6 flat cams).
2) Proper break in
A) Prime oil system prior to initial start up with fresh straight 30 or 40 weight quality oil.
B) Prime fuel system and be sure of no leaks
C) Fill cooling system and be sure it is in proper operating condition.
D) Make sure igntion is in order
E) Crank engine and have it fire immediately and increase rpm to approx. 2,000 fluctuating occasionally it slightly for at least 15 minutes making sure oil pressure is good and engine stays cool.
F) Change oil and filter immediately after cam break in again with straight weight oil
G) Drive car or run engine for another hour or so and change oil and filter again and install high grade synthetic oil.
H) Be concious(sp) of idle time. The cam and lifter surface does not oil well at idle so it should be kept to a minimum.
If using quality products and these steps are followed the cams should hold fine in these engines. It works for us.
