So, flat tappet cams

[Mr_Roboto]

Well, I finally found the source of the knock in the Lemans today. Turns out that #3 isn't even moving the rocker. Cam lobe and likely the lifter are gone. Shit's probably pretty ugly. So to that end, what are the chances in hell that I'd be able to jam a cam in this thing without a rebuild and not spew its guts out. I'm guessing pretty goddamn low? Pontiac 350 (NOT SBC) and a stocker in it now. Also any advice what to get? I was looking at a Howards grind.

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[Knowklew]

350/290 HP Small Block Crate Engine | Chevrolet

I would go this route if it was me. Really not that expensive and you get a turnkey.

 

[Mr_Roboto]

If i was going to go the gen1 route it would be a vortec 350. LS from the jy would be in the cards way before that tbh. Cam some cleanup and a basic rebuild would still be cheaper. I would still have to do the engine swap so why not a modern one?

 

[1quickbird]

Pontiacs are notorious for that, especially once newer oils start getting introduced to them with lower amounts of zinc.

We build a lot of Pontiacs in house here, believe it or not Elgin Industries has a good line of cam's for the Pontiac engines, as well as lifters and even roller tip stock style rockers. Pretty good upgrade for a stock engine. They have cam's that very closely resemble old school Ram Air type grinds.

As far as throwing a cam in and getting lucky about not hurting the rest of the engine. If it has been running with that metal flowing through it for awhile, I would say it's not likely it will survive much longer.

 

[Xfirez51]

Convert the motor to a roller or use oil w higher zinc/phosphate content. You can go w Amsoil, but I use Castrol GTX 15W-40 Diesel. It has the zinc needed to protect flat tappet. I have been using it on my LT-5 for the last 4 years and you get it at Pep Boys in the gallon jug.

 

[1quickbird]

There is also a zinc additive, ZDDP..
Schaeffers and Synergyn oil both have high zinc content as well..