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Cam and Spring break in!

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Old 11-15-2005, 11:13 AM
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Default Cam and Spring break in!

Ok guys i am having one of those days but is there a cetain breakin period or method after a cam and spring and pushrod swap. I had the swap done of saturady and have been anxious to see how the truck does. I heard something about a heat cycle for the springs or something like that. Is it different for cam. Any info appreciated.
Old 11-15-2005, 11:22 AM
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I was told 3-4 heat cycles (drive up to operating temp, park, let cool down completely is one heat cycle) while not going over 2500 RPM is the initial goal. Afterward, once you've achieved this, you have to treat the valvetrain properly in order for it to last. Since you have aftermarket springs, which are usually more brittle than stock ones, this means that until you get up to full operating temp (for me that is 190 degrees on the dash gauge) you don't go over 2500 RPM. For me this means about 5 minutes of driving around, which is perfect, because that is how long it takes me to get to the freeway on ramp anyway.
Old 11-15-2005, 11:04 PM
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What cam did you go with el cabby?

Last edited by Tractionless; 11-15-2005 at 11:26 PM.
Old 11-15-2005, 11:37 PM
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What if you want to go with a different stat like 160*? would that matter or is it just operating temp?
Old 11-15-2005, 11:42 PM
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I beat on them as soon as I got out onto the road after the cam swap and didnt break on. No break in on the cam its a roller hyd cam. Springs if you want to be safe 4 heat cycles like Naked said. He pretty much covered it, IMO all the way up to operational tmep isnt necessary but some people are **** about it. When I get my new engine built I wont think twice about beating on it when its cold thats when the engines seem to be the strongest. To me letting the engine get all the way up to operational temp is over kill but it would probably make them last longer though.
Old 11-16-2005, 08:20 AM
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I bought used springs. For the cam, you start it, let it idle for about 5 sec, then drive the **** out of it. On the springs, I heard two heat cycles no more than 4000 rpm, bring up to operating temp, let cool, repeat, let cool, drive the **** out of it.
Old 11-16-2005, 09:13 AM
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Some people say do a break in so you dont leave anyhting to chance others dont. IMO its not like your gonna get the cam in everything back in place crank it and within 5 seconds punch it. Im sure once you got the cam in you cranked it and let it run for a bit in park to make sure all was well and once you go for a drive just go through the gears at normal driving before youstomp on it and that should be enough!
Old 11-16-2005, 09:38 AM
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Thats really what I ment. I was exagerating.
Old 11-16-2005, 10:20 AM
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Thanks for the info guys, i went on the safe side I hope and I did 4 heat cycles. I let it warm up to normal driving range and then took if for a cruz around town, never going over 2500 rpm's. Damn was that hard to do. I guess at it needs know is for me to give it a little gas and meet with nelson for a retune. Tractionless I went with the vinci 047 cam, didnt want to go to big yet, since i aint got a stall. Plan on going bigger in a few months though.
Old 11-16-2005, 12:20 PM
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Damn?!?! I have to take it easy on my new setup??? Aww, crap! Was hoping to peel some rubber on my driveway.

Oh well... guess it's better safe than sorry.


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