Rebuilding Tips

[MrMojoRisin681]

Well I'm finally gonna start putting my 355 together this week. Now I have some reference books, and have done some reading online, but I was wondering if anyone on here has any tips. Also looking for tips on breaking it in. I know your supposed to prime the oiling system before you start it. Then my cam instructions say to keep it between 2000-2500rpm for 30 minutes. After that do I go drive it and do the accelerate and coast back down method? Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.


Some specs:
1978 355 2 Bolt, Edelbrock Performer Plus Flat Tappet Hydraulic Cam, Holley 650 Double Pumper, GM Vortec Heads, Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake. Other stuff ain't too special stock rods, crank...

[wasjo6431]

just donty go full throttle till 1000 miles change oil after cam break in dont run it again until you change the oil after the 20-30 min break in. i suggest a cheap 10w30 oil fo rthat break in.
i used the murrays brand both times with my cams. also make sure all the parts you put in the engine are fully lubricated. when i put my rocker arms on my heads i dunked them in oil and made sure they spun now problem as they are roller rockers. also your pushrods make sure you dip both ends in oil before putting htem in. and your lifters both ends also i just doused mine in the oil dunked them...

now you going with a solid or hydraulic cam? or is it a roller?

what type of lifters?

and after the cam break in you change the oil i prefer to go 1000 miles going easy on it. slow accels up and slow decels down. dont spin the engine to high i went to about 4 grand max before i would shift but i would go slowly i didnt start doing that till after the first 300-500 miles.

what type of piston rings aryou using that also determins your break in time. i have plasma moly rings which take longer to seat than regular piston rings.

but fast idle for your breakin will be between 2100-3000 rpm.

after 500 miles if you want to change your oil or do it after the 1000 mark. but def have to get the oil out after the break in of the engine. not just the cam the cam break in that oils gotta go. then after the 500-1000 mile break in that oils gotta go. check the oil also after your cam break in make sure the filters catching everything i like to go through it with a magnet but you dont have to. its your preference
hopefully this was helpful. if you want more info just post up any questoins you have.
ive had to do this numerous times.

[wasjo6431]

edit::::
i read its a hydraulic flat tappet. you have to set your valves with the engine running it sucks at least thats how i do it its the most acurate with a flat tappet. its loosen them after youre break in of the cam then drop your idle down to about 500-400 rpm. take your valve cover off on one side. break the rocker nuts lose. then loosen till you hear that rocker clacking then tighten till it stops then go 1/8th turn past where it stops making nose then lock the lodck screw inside hte nut.

[MrMojoRisin681]

Thanks for the info

[MattODoom]

as I recall when we did the truck 355 we soaked the lifters in a coolwhip tub of oil so all the air escaped and they were primed with oil.

[wasjo6431]

as I recall when we did the truck 355 we soaked the lifters in a coolwhip tub of oil so all the air escaped and they were primed with oil.

yeah id id the same. but i also primed my oil system with a old distrubitor that i made into a primer and a drill

[MattODoom]

Yep... just grind off the cam gear.

[WMCCjames]

No need to soak the lifters in oil if you prime the motor...it's just a waste of time and oil. Just put some break-in lube on the face of the cam and lightly oil the case or lifter bore. Don't use cheap oil on the intial start-up either, doesn't make any sense...most crucial time the motor runs to use cheap ass oil. Also, I would strongly suggest some GM break-in additive.

[MrMojoRisin681]

Yeah my cam instructions suggested the additive too. GM EOS (Engine Oil Supplement).

Also it cam with a piece of paper that says:

"CAUTION: DO NOT PUMP-UP LIFTERS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION!
Pumping-up lifters may result in bent pushrods, bent valves, or other engine damage upon initial start-up. Lifter bottoms and cam lobes should be coated with the special break-in lube supplied, but no other lubrication of the lifter is necessary."

"Pumping-Up" would be soaking them correct?