Considering it is a stock cam with stock spring pressures and you primed it and hopefully ran an oil with zinc or a zinc additive you will be just fine. I am the same way, would rather time the engine and adjust the carb in lieu of a poor running engine at 2000rpm for cam break-in. Your cousin is on the mark IMHO. BTW, there is nothing in the repair manual about cam break in and you can bet they didnt do it at the factory either.

Steve

Last edited by sstock; 07/31/2018 6:34 PM.

1953 Chevrolet 3100
261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY Gallery
Video of the 261 running

1964 GMC 1000
305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration