My 95 TA has about 150,xxx miles on the clock. It still runs great, really strong. I have a whole lot of mods mostly bolt on stuff and the computer tune etc. etc. My question is, is it to late or does it have to many miles for new valve springs and 1.6rr? I know a LT4 km is already in the car fwiw. No smoke or leaks. I guess I am worried about opening a big can of worms if you know what I mean.

 

IMHO the folks that have run into trouble have done so because they may have made it too tough on the cam right from the start. For example, not doing break in with softer springs and applying too much pressure from initial start up. I would use a softer spring for break-in then switch to the selected spring after that period.

They may have a geometrical issue that puts something in a bind. When ever you replace valve train components, the geometry should always be checked so nothing gets in a bind. compressed spring heights, push rod length, push rod to head clearance and rocker to spring clearance are but a few.


Zinc or the lack of it in modern motor oils in my opinion is still causing problems in the proper break in of even a roller cam. I believe extra zinc is critical. Sure it's not AS important as a flat tappet cam but the cam still rolls in bearings. In my mind, the extra zinc is merely extra insurance for a healthy break in. Extra zinc like the comp cams oil can only help, it can not hurt your efforts. http://www.compperformancegroupstore...gory_Code=LUBE
Item 159
Zinc and phosphorous was removed because as it gets by worn rings, it will destroy a cat converter. Even if worn rings were an issue. You would only be using it during break-in.

Last, you can never have enough knowledge. If you go to the first page of the Comp Cams catalog. http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/C...0/Default.aspx
It has a wealth of informative pages listed on page 1.

Just my $.02

 

Thanks Speedy, I'll study up some more. Anyone else want to chime in?

 

I'm with speedy on this one, I had a 79 ta that had a major cam issue but it was lunatti who clued me in. I'm even going to check out that comp page. I even hear tell rotella has taken zinc out. But it was just that which mad my cam chunk. Other than that a friend of mine in montana just installed a bumpstick in his camaro, 96 z-28 and some beehive springs with 1.6 rr's with hardened tips on the pushrods, according to him his mill is running about 180,xxx miles. And he hasn't had any problems, but he did the break in with zinc additive. So I would read and err on the safe side. He also did an opti, true double roller chain and gears and water pump while he was in there. I'm sure that has to help with longevity.