I finished up my vvt cam swap and on the first crank or when I torqued the cam bolt down, the cam dowel pin broke either way and bent 8 exhaust pushrods and all 8 exhaust valves.

Specs are:
Custom Pat G Cam
Comp torrington rocker bearing upgrade
Comp Hi Tech 7.4" Pushrods
VVT limiter cam Gear
BTR Valve Springs and Retainers to match the .600 lift.

I am sad...motor is out and at the machine shop now. Looking for suggestions for "while your in there" upgrades. Silica filled Exhaust Valves - are those an thing or option? Stock style pistons that don't slap as much on initial warm up?

 

Sodium Filled not Silica.

Pistons you could try new replacements otherwise you would have to have it bored to get a tight clearance.

 

Since I had my problem at such a low rpm, All I bent was the pushrods. Replaced those and lapped the valves. Drilled out the cam pin, replaced it and reinstalled. All is good again. Working on the tune now.