[chiphead]

Originally Posted by Steve C.

'Splash lube' at lower engine RPM... real or perceived ?


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Real, according to the FT break in procedure since forever, to raise RPM to lubricate lobes during break in. Now once broken in, are we saying that the lube running down over the cam from the top end return, is enough to lube the flat tappet cam for extended operation below 1800 RPM? Remember, the FT cam (and the pontiac engine) had mostly gone away by the time the first OD transmissions came out.

As for cam recommendations, choose based on lowest expected cruise RPM at OD with converter locked. You want a cam that establishes good port velocity at that RPM, not still in "hot for teacher" reversion that will buck at that low loaded RPM. I'm thinking 068 to 2801 territory. The Lunati 702 may be the biggest you want to use. A small roller might get you a broader powerband and still smooth it down low.

Its the stock converter and lockup behavior you gotta watch for. Late model motors like LS can increase the lockup speeds, use higher stalls and stretch the shift points when the cams get frisky. Harder to do without a computer controlled transmission.