[GaryL]

...Mine does. I have been through at least 6 cams in the big block in my 78 and I think I'm losing another one as we speak. I have heard of a possible solution, and will be trying it next time I have to change the cam. From what I have learned, big blocks are known to get an air pocket in the oil galley that feeds the lifters and causes pre-mature wear on the cam. The solution is to drill a very small hole in the two oil galley plugs that are behind the timing gear on the front of the engine. Below are the pictures of the plugs with the holes in them (the very small dot in the recessed area of the plug). I do not know the exact size of the hole, but you should be able to get the idea from thie pictures.

If anyone has any information on this, whether pro or con, please post it here.

I'll update when I have done this myself.

 

[GaryL]

I have had the truck for 20 years and have personally put over 100,000 miles on it. I am always meticulous (sp?) when it comes to engine assembly and pre lubing, maintenance, etc. so I know it's not that. I also know it's not related to cam brand. It has eaten stock, Edelbrock, Comp Cams, Erson and two Mellings cams. I'm trying to decide if I want to try this next time or just go roller. The roller option is really expensive, but would probably solve the problem so that's what I have to weigh.:neutral:

Again, I have not tried this but heard of it through a neighbor that races big blocks. It was one of his blocks that the pictures are of.

 

[GaryL]

If you add up all the cams you could have done rollers a long time ago LOL

You're telling me. I am porting a set of small chamber heads for it right now, so when I do that swap is when I will have to make my decision if I find it is flat.

 

[GaryL]

That looks like a pretty good price for roller TIP rockers, but I would be a little leary of that set. They state that they are roller rockers with poly locks when they are actuall roller tip rockers with normal rocker nuts and rocker balls. :neutral:

I am talking about a roller cam like this one:

http://www.competitionproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=120235

With these lifters: (this is where it gets expensive:gasp

http://www.competitionproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=8954-16

 

[GaryL]

That's what I'm thinking, especially for a truck that is only worth about 3K. Not that I would sell it, my Grandfather bought it brand new in Dec 77. I bought it from him in Feb 88 and my son will start driving in just a couple of years, so he will probably get it. He wants one of the Firebirds, but that probably won't happen 'til after I'm gone (I keep the guns in a safe, so he'll have to try something else).:intello: