JustJimmy
Newbie
Posts: 6
Reg: 09-09-23
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09-12-23 07:26 PM - Post#2862519
I need to replace the camshaft and lifters in this engine as part of a rebuild. I will not go to a roller cam/lifter set-up as this was not original to my engine which has matching numbers. I would like to find cam and hydraulic lifters that are NOS but failing that, what do our members suggest? The failure rate of flat tappet cams and lifters out there is horrendous and most builders will not use them. If you insist they do they will not warranty them This is not a show car or hot rod. It is just an old car I want to put back to factory condition. Any help, sources or ideas?
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CATS 09
Poster
Posts: 76
Reg: 05-27-12
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09-13-23 07:26 AM - Post#2862527
In response to JustJimmy
If you do rebuild,( engine warranted or not, ) then the most important considerations will be the engine oil having the proper additives you need to use, and a proper initial break-in. Environmental concerns have caused changes in what ingredients go into that oil, much of the old school “good stuff” that made for happy flat tappet engines years back has been taken out of it.
The right additives are still readily available over the counter to help our engines stay happy and healthy. There is a lot of information in the Chevy Talk archives and on other sites ie.(Hemmings Motor News) and old car club magazines that you will find very helpful. The best with the rebuild.
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 PLS
"11th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1743
Loc: Smyrna, Georgia
Reg: 06-07-12
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09-13-23 08:26 AM - Post#2862533
In response to JustJimmy
First of all a big welcome to CT, you want be disappointed.
I used Joe Gibbs break-in oil for my first startup and break-in.
I had a lot of suggestions as to the oil that I needed to use with the flat tappet lifters and I chose to go with Valvoline VR1, one of the suggestions, mainly because it was easy to get locally and had enough Zinc for these old engines.
There are good suggestions out there for using regular oil and just add the Zink.
Can't really say that I don't have wear because I only have about 2500 miles on it since starting it up for the first time in January 2019.
Maybe someone else will chime in and give you some more suggestions.
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JustJimmy
Newbie
Posts: 6
Reg: 09-09-23
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09-16-23 07:37 AM - Post#2862588
In response to CATS 09
Thanks for the info regarding break-in oils and proper lubrication. I am somewhat familiar with these issues as well as the proper break-in procedure. My problem is I will never get to that point if I cannot find a new camshaft and set of hydraulic lifters I can trust. I have not spent much money so far. I have put a lot of labor into removing, disassembling and cleaning my engine block and cylinder heads. They are ready for the machining end of things but the camshaft/lifter issue stopped me dead in my tracks. I cannot put money into machine shop services if I do not have a cam and lifter set. It all stopped at this point. I am considering buying a stock cam/lifter set made in USA and inspecting them for proper lobe taper and lifter crown. If they are not right I will either return them or send them to a shop to have them ground properly. That should be no more than dusting them off with a grinding wheel by a shop that knows what it is doing. Does anyone know where I can find the original GM part numbers and/or specs for the cam and lifters that came in my 1958 Chevy 283 cid 185 hp 2bbl carb engine? Having these specs would give me a place to start looking. Thanks for all the help.
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JustJimmy
Newbie
Posts: 6
Reg: 09-09-23
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09-16-23 07:38 AM - Post#2862589
In response to PLS
Wonderful restoration work you should be proud of! Thanks for sharing.
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japete92
Posts: 2167
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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09-17-23 05:38 AM - Post#2862606
In response to JustJimmy
Try here for specs:
https://www.gm.com/content/dam/company/n o_search/h...
Pete
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JustJimmy
Newbie
Posts: 6
Reg: 09-09-23
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09-17-23 06:48 AM - Post#2862607
In response to japete92
Thanks but I ha all these specs in 1986. Chevrolet sent me a 5 lb package of material on the 1958 model year along with contact info for vintage parts suppliers. Unfortunately there are no part numbers listed but I did find the valve lift and if I divide it by 1.5 I'll know the cam lobe lift so it is more than I realized I knew. Thank-you! Still need to get OEM part numbers for cam and lifters.
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Original58
Contributor
Posts: 579
Loc: Manitoba, Canada
Reg: 10-30-13
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09-18-23 04:21 AM - Post#2862627
In response to JustJimmy
Wouldnt the gm part number be listed in the parts book? Along with superceded numbers in later year books?
I cant find mine at the moment but I would think they would list engine parts and most other stuff
Jeff
1958 Biscayne 283 Turbo-Glide 31,000 mi (now 35,000 and counting) driven daily
1966 Mustang Inline 6- C4 57,000 mi and growing daily
1929 Graham - Paige 612- the eternal headache that I will never sell |
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JustJimmy
Newbie
Posts: 6
Reg: 09-09-23
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09-19-23 09:02 AM - Post#2862668
In response to Original58
I don't have any book that gives GM part numbers. My specs booklet Chevrolet sent me was just specs of all 1958 engines and car bodies. There were no part numbers. Can you tell me what part number book(s) you are referencing?
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Original58
Contributor
Posts: 579
Loc: Manitoba, Canada
Reg: 10-30-13
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09-22-23 05:34 AM - Post#2862747
In response to JustJimmy
Something like this book may help you find what youre looking for.
https://www.faxonautoliterature.com/1950-1959-Chev...
1958 Biscayne 283 Turbo-Glide 31,000 mi (now 35,000 and counting) driven daily
1966 Mustang Inline 6- C4 57,000 mi and growing daily
1929 Graham - Paige 612- the eternal headache that I will never sell |
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