New cam issues,

Recently built my father in laws street BBC for his chevelle with my good friend/engine builder. Had to rebuild it after the engine drank a nut from the air cleaner (long story). Treated it like it was one of our 800-900hp all out race engines as far as assembly process and anal retentive. Brand new hydraulic flat tappet camshaft and lifters from comp cams were installed. Yes we made sure they all turned when barring the engine over before finishing the build. Yes we used the right lubricant and break in oil. 5 lifters failed on the initial startup. Car never made it out of the driveway. Yes we followed proper flat tappet break in procedure. Now the engine is completely trashed and needs removed from the car and rebuilt and the re installed. It will be getting a hydraulic roller this time even if I have to buy it myself.

Moral of the story is, if you are leery about that flat tappet cam and lifters, don’t ruin your engine by installing them. Pick another route.