The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Cam Survival Hints? SBC in a '56

Well, I'm down to the last couple of items on my short list before firing up the SBC in my 56. I went through the engine a while back and installed a new cam, valve seals, lifters, springs, pushrods, etc.

Everything looks to be a go, but this is the first time I have ever started an engine with a fresh cam. I sure don't want to ruin it right out of the box.

I read that I should not crank it more than 30 seconds without starting, that the timing should be set already, and to run it above 2000 rpm for 20 minutes with an occasional blip to 3000. That all sounds good, but how do I "already have the timing set?" I'm close I know, but without it running, how do I know?

I've installed several engines over the years and I have always had some unexpected issues that prevented a quick start. Will cranking for more than 30 seconds really destroy my cam? I used plenty of assembly lube and have primed the oil pump with a drill. Oil filter is full.

Cam is a Summit 1102. Any hints from you experts out there. I'm anxious to get this puppy running. Just got it titled, insured and registered (thanks Broadway!). I'm ready to put it on the road. Just don't want to screw it up now!

Thanks!

It sounds like you are ready to fire it up. If the timing is close, it should start. What you don't want to do is crank for minutes at a time. The cam lube will be wiped off the lobes before it starts if you crank to long. Once it fires, set the timing where it sounds ok and let it run for the proper time. Once broke in, go back and set all the details. Use plenty of break in lube or use diesel oil. There has been plenty wrote about this so search for it if you all ready haven't. Go to your GM dealer and get a bottle of engine oil suppliment, this stuff really works! Good luck, Joe.

A nice trick is to use used springs to break in a cam. Just make sure you still have proper spring bind clearance.

EOS....GM Engine Oil Supplement from chevy dealer.as suggested above. Don't start it without it. The diesel oil will work good to but I'm not positive as I know the Diesel oil was suppose to undergo some change the first of the year but not sure what it was all about. With EOS you can't go wrong.