I am getting ready to take the cam out and see what kind of damage I may have gotten... My first time to do this (not the cam, but looking for damage). What do I need to look for? In detail (2nd grader language) what signs should I look for?
pics of the mess What do you guys think? I am thinking it is shot. Just what I can see here looks bad. there is a camo pattern in 2 of the cam bearing faces, and very fine lines in the front one. Should I start shopping for another block? There is a almost new (still under warranty, never driven) remanufactured long block for $200, but it is another flat tappet. Should I get it and still do the cam and spring swap? It was put in a truck and it had a miss, and the guy gave up on it. Never been driven on. Or should I just shop around for a 5.0 roller? I am afraid the main bearings will look bad like this as well.
Your present block has to come apart and be cleaned in any event and new parts placed. Going to the 88 long block will raise your compression to about 9.5 with the 40p heads. For 200$ , a cam/lifters and valve springs, gaskets and tranfering pan and front cover off the old motor may add up to less money and more performance.
Why did the $200 engine miss? Maybe cam wiped out? Take some deep breaths, look at the bank an see how much you can afford. After couple days or week,,,, plan attack! Also KEEP THEM OLE ENGINE PARTS OFF THE LIVING ROOM RUG! he he
Ok, I will buy that block today, tear it down to the short block, save up for that cam/springs kit I was going to get, and maybe put another converter on it. It will be a while before I am driving again, but I should have a pretty nice running car when it is done... What should I do with my current block? I don't have room to store it, and don't ever plan on rebuilding it...Can I sell it to an automotive machine shop or is it even worth selling?
Don't think it was a cam issue. Sounded more like a timing issue. Still, it has new rings, pistons, etc. and with any luck may have been bored over a little when they remanufactured it. And that is a chunk of spare carpet in the garage. I try to walk over it before I go into the house to catch some of the grease off my shoes.
After spending the money on one of my non-roller blocks, I now think that I would have been better off to spend the money on one of the roller blocks I have. In the long run the roller is the better choice. But cam bearings can be replaced, total up the cost for each, and see where you end up. Sometimes these auto parts store re-builds aren't the best choice, they like to use cheap-o parts.
Why change the cam? Back to budget, car still gonna haul! Not wasting future $$$ Store the engine for now,, you'll find room Get your heads checked for sure,,, make sure springs are spec out an correct one Glad it's garage carpet. just like them 2 girls downtown who like each other,,,1 said to the other,,, you da man!
Got the block home and pulled off one head, and it looks really good. Looks like one cylinder has never been fired on, so I think they wired it up for the wrong firing order and gave up on it.
Next time you are driving through Houston (on your way to Mexico, maybe we aren't right on the beaten path from Iowa...) bring that block and we can swap
