I will be installing a new cam tomorrow in my truck. Is there a certain cam "break in" period? Ive heard a couple different things elsewhere, just want some more expert opinions on the matter as I want to protect my investment. I've heard you dont have to do anything, I've heard that you need to drive like 100 miles conservatively, not redlining or anything then do an oil change after the 100 miles. Can anyone shed any light on this? Thanks in advance.

 

No break in time for roller cams. You're ready to race after installation.

Flat tappet cams have to get acquainted with lifters for break in.

 

Take it out and do a burnout.. Should be good enough..

 

Yup no break in. I wouldn't hammer on it instantly though just because you want your tune to be in order.

 

i was just gonna do normal driving for a bit, maybe get on it some but nothing crazy. just didnt wanna screw anything up if there was a break in period lol

 

well i got my new cam, springs,and rods installed today. went pretty smoothly for my first cam swap. only hiccup i had was breaking the timing cover when i tried to get the front crank seal out. ordered a new one which will be here monday. just gotta throw the timing cover, water pump, crank pulley and belts, fan and radiator back on and ill be ready to fire it up then get a tune

 

ok got a quick question. im just waiting for my new timing cover to come in and was talking to a couple guys i work with about the cam. they were asking me what oil i put back in the truck since i did an oil change on top of swapping the cam. i put in the same thing i have always used which is 5w20 mobil 1. they said i need to use something thicker to break the cam in. i then told them that i used comp cam cam and lifter installation assembly lube. can anyone verify this or am i ok using the 5w20?

 

Normal oil is fine. There's no break-in on roller cams.

 

Start it up, make sure oil pressure is good, listen for any abnormal noises, get it tuned, drive it like you stole it.

 

started it up, started up just fine. no abnormal noise. idles well and sounds good. just gotta get a tune now. thanks for everyones input!