Cam and lifters. . .

[terrible one]

I bought a rebuilt 383 a while back and am switching the cam out in it. I'm wondering if it's okay to use the old lifters and just replace the camshaft? The engine has never been run, just built.

[aifilaw]

It really depends on what lifters are currently in there. But I rarely, rarely, if ever replace a cam without changing the lifters as well.
Unless I put the lifters in less than 5k miles ago, and I know what the hardness is on them, the cam that was in there, and how long they've been run, I never do a cam swap without also changing lifters.

[RD]

if its NEVER been run, then you can use the old lifters as they will not have been "broke in" to that particular camshaft.  now make sure both the cam you are buying and the lifters that are in there are for the same type (i.e. hydraulic or solid).  You cannot run hyd/solid interchange (either cam with hyd lifters or hyd cam with solid lifters), engine will go clackety clackety boom boom.

[oldschool]

 :rot
z:
dont do it!

[terrible one]

They're both hydraulic. . . just want a different grind. But now these two here have me nervous hehe . . . but $50 is a lot of difference!

[aifilaw]

$50 is nothing compared to a complete bottom end rebuild because of metal shavings in your oil pan... get new lifters and quit whining over $50, complain when you have to spend $500

[terrible one]

$50 is nothing compared to a complete bottom end rebuild because of metal shavings in your oil pan... get new lifters and quit whining over $50, complain when you have to spend $500

Fair enough, I suppose I'll go ahead and buy the cam and lifter kit.

[RD]

if your 383 is a freshly rebuilt engine and HAS NOT BEEN RAN, then you do not need to buy new lifters.  use the ones that are in there, they will be fine.  the only time you need to replace lifters is if:

1) they were broke in with a specific cam
2) they have mechanical issues
3) you are switching to a different type of cam
4) you are putting in a different cam and the lifters are used

dont waste your money buying new lifters when you HAVE new lifters in your engine.

once you pull the lifters in there, inspect them... if there are no wear patterns or scuff marks you are G2G.

[terrible one]

if your 383 is a freshly rebuilt engine and HAS NOT BEEN RAN, then you do not need to buy new lifters.  use the ones that are in there, they will be fine.  the only time you need to replace lifters is if:

1) they were broke in with a specific cam
2) they have mechanical issues
3) you are switching to a different type of cam
4) you are putting in a different cam and the lifters are used

dont waste your money buying new lifters when you HAVE new lifters in your engine.

once you pull the lifters in there, inspect them... if there are no wear patterns or scuff marks you are G2G.

That's what I figured. I've pulled a lifter. No scuff marks. The engine probably hasn't even been rotated since being put together. The lifters are Comp Cams lifters. I trust you. I'll just get the stick. Hopefully I can get going before my 6 month warranty on your tranny goes away! Hehe

[firefighter3931]

Brand new lifters that have never been run in can be swapped over. 



Ron