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Thread: Crate Engine Break-in

  1. #1
    Registered Member Tabasco's Avatar
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    Crate Engine Break-in

    I have been looking at 350 crate engines with hydraulic flat tappet cams. I found the GM Performance Start-up and Break-in Procedures on Jegs and Scoggin-Dickey website. Here is a link. https://sdparts.com/attachment/33742...%20In%20V2.pdf

    There are 13 instructions, but no mention of cam and lifter break-in.

    Does GM have some way of breaking in cams and lifters on the assembly line? Or are you going to be in trouble for using GM's own instructions?

  2. #2
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    If it was mine, I'd use the more usual time honored procedure on first startup if it has flat tappets. I.e., get the engine started and run it at 2000 rpm for 20-30 minutes. Set the timing best you can after starting, don't let it run with retarded timing. If you have an automatic transmission, get the fluid topped off right after you set the timing.

    After that, you can use their recommendations.

    Just my opinion, others may vary.

  3. #3
    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    With all the hassle of breaking in a flat tappet cam and the fact that roller cammed crate engines are so common and cheap, why would you not go with a roller cam?
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  4. #4
    Registered Member Tabasco's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rick_L View Post
    If it was mine, I'd use the more usual time honored procedure on first startup if it has flat tappets. I.e., get the engine started and run it at 2000 rpm for 20-30 minutes. Set the timing best you can after starting, don't let it run with retarded timing. If you have an automatic transmission, get the fluid topped off right after you set the timing.

    After that, you can use their recommendations.

    Just my opinion, others may vary.
    I last did that about 15 years ago. I read the GM instructions to refresh my memory of what to do. I was just surprised that is not in the instructions. I thought maybe GM had some way to break them in now before delivery.

  5. #5
    Registered Member Tabasco's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chevynut View Post
    With all the hassle of breaking in a flat tappet cam and the fact that roller cammed crate engines are so common and cheap, why would you not go with a roller cam?
    I thought about that but the GM roller cam engines don't have provisions for fuel pump. So there is more hassle and expense and plumbing to add an electric pump. I'm still in the planning stages so I'm just looking at all the options.

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    My machine shop's recommendation on break-in was 2500rpm for 10 minutes. Let it cool. Another 10 minutes at 2500rpm. Says this is the recommendation from JGR for an SBC. He also recommended Brad Penn Green Break-in oil for the break-in only. Then replace and run Brad Penn for the first 500. Change again and then normal oil changes.

    Its a 283 SBC with dual quads.

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    Quote Originally Posted by scorpion1110 View Post
    My machine shop's recommendation on break-in was 2500rpm for 10 minutes. Let it cool. Another 10 minutes at 2500rpm. Says this is the recommendation from JGR for an SBC. He also recommended Brad Penn Green Break-in oil for the break-in only. Then replace and run Brad Penn for the first 500. Change again and then normal oil changes.

    Its a 283 SBC with dual quads.
    I have nothing good to say about the Brad Penn oil of today. The name was sold , no longer same stuff. Why would Tokyo Joe not recommend his own break in oil. I hear good thing about it and Renegade both from friends in the motor building business.

  8. #8
    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tabasco View Post
    I thought about that but the GM roller cam engines don't have provisions for fuel pump.
    I didn't know that.
    56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


    Other vehicles:

    56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
    56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    1962 327/340HP Corvette
    1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
    2001 Porsche Boxster S
    2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
    2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

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