[455Darren]

I have a fresh 468 that needs a cam. Specs: '70 455 +.030" and 4.250 Butler assembly, #64 heads compression set at 9.3, head ports cleaned up, stock intake, Q-Jet, pertronix in stock distributor, Ram Air manifolds with Pypes 2.5" system. Will be in a '70 GTO convertible, M-21 with 3.31 12 bolt saf-t-track. I have installed 2 Summit 2802 cams and both have failed break-in. 1 lifter would not spin on first cam, 4 would not spin on second. Did all the proper procedures. Looking to get away from the Summit line even though I never had a problem in the past. I do NOT want/need to go roller. Want a strong runner nothing wild. Thanks for positive comments.

[73T/A]

I have a very similar combination as yours although I am at 10 to 1 compression and running an automatic with 3.31 rear gears.I run the Ram Air IV cam(Melling SPC-8) with HT 951R hydraulic lifters.I also run Harland Sharp roller rocker arms 1.65 ratio(actually checked at machine shop to 1.72 ratio) to take advantage of the SD Performance head porting.The Ram Air IV would be one step above the Summit 2802 cam.

[455Darren]

Yes, I am considering that as an option. I have 1.5 roller rockers. My first motor I used that cam. A 400 with 4X heads in the same spec car. Not a good combo, but I'm smarter (?) now. lol Thanks for the input!

[Tim Corcoran]

You may consider this

https://butlerperformance.com/i-3164...tegory:1459636

The Pontiac factory cams were designed to work with exhaust manifolds, in the case of the RA engines the RA/HO manifolds.


And the lifters

https://butlerperformance.com/i-3164...tegory:1234799

[455Darren]

Thank you, I have looked at those as well. Hard to make a decision after 2 failures.

[Mr Twister]

My recently acquired TA has a drive train very close to what your car has. I found a vintage NOS Ultradyne 288/296 H8 HFT that I plan to install with Rhoades lifters
(new not vintage), q jet tuning, and recurving the distributor.

[455Darren]

I have a NOS Comp Cam 270H(.224-.224, .476-.476, 110*) that I may end up using not my preferred grind being single pattern. Figure at least it was made before all the crap. I used up my NOS Crane lifters on the last cam.

[steve25]

I don’t think you need to fret in terms of a street 455 motor running a single pattern cam as opposed to a duel.

These results from a 1992 Pontiac Enthusiast article speak for themselves as it’s the average numbers that matter most in a street car with under 3.73 rear gears.

[64speed]

I don’t know if your compression is up to it or not but I am having great luck with the Crower 60919 and Cam Saver lifters. Maybe one size smaller in the Crower line???? I love it in my 468

[455Darren]

Thanks for the input! My compression is 9.3. the 60919 is on my list. a friend also suggested that cam.

[455Darren]

I think I have that issue. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[b-man]

The Croser 60243 might be worth looking into, just a small step below the 60919.

Also finding the most accurate reproduction of the RAIV cam is what I’d be looking for. There are supposed copies that have more aggressive lobes and perform very well. The RAIV factory lobe profile was made for cars under warranty and may live a longer life and be less prone to wiping a lobe than a modernized copy.

[455Darren]

do you mean the 60242? The 60916 is very close as well. Those are at the top of the list right now. Thanks for the input!

[b-man]

Originally Posted by 455Darren

do you mean the 60242? The 60916 is very close as well. Those are at the top of the list right now. Thanks for the input!

No, the 60243 is a step above the 60242 and 60916.

[ponchjoe]

I ran a Crower 60243 in a mostly stock 462 years ago and it was a beast. 3.42 gears and TH400 with a 2k stall. Heads were 7k3 and comp was 9.4.
With a manual you can run the RAIV cam though

[65 Lamnas]

What will you do differently on your third try besides switching brands of cam?

[455Darren]

Going to pull the inner spring out. Currently at 120# seat and 230# open.This is under manufacturers recommendations. Decided to use the Comp Cam 270H (224, .470) cam I've had for 20 years. Not exactly what I wanted but $300 close enough! Got a new set of Crower Cam Savers as well.

[Jim Moshier]

Just a thought but you might want to try a different oil as well, maybe a Driven break in oil or ? I don't know what oil you have tried but after 2 failures I would encourage it along with pre-oiling before the start.

[455Darren]

using the Lucas 30w break-in oil and the paste on cam lobes and lifter faces. Changed oil and WIX filter between failures. Preoiling to 60 psi as well. Getting pricey.....

[64speed]

When I broke in mine I slathered break in lube on that bad boy then I used Lucas break in oil, lucas break in additive and a bottle of STP. I am 5000 miles in and seem to be good