Please keep the following information in mind when selecting a performance camshaft:

It is the complete vehicle package that will determine how well your vehicle satisfies your performance preference. By complete vehicle package, we mean the interaction of all of a vehicle's components and subsystems, including the engine and its related parts (such as the carburetor, intake manifold, exhaust system, camshaft, and ignition), the transmission, rear-end gears, wheel and tire combinations and diameters, and suspension pieces. All of these components must work in unison to produce the desired performance results.

First, you will need to decide what rpm power range you will be operating in most often. Because camshaft selection, as well as carburetion, manifold choice, and gearing are based on it, knowing your rpm power range is the key to building a successful vehicle package.

Be sure to purchase all of the components necessary to complete the desired vehicle package at your performance level. Remember, the further from stock you deviate in the engine department, the more modifications will be required elsewhere in the vehicle.

It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that all of the components are correct before installation. Errors in component selection or installation procedures are not covered by warranty.

To help ensure successful camshaft performance and reliability, the following procedures should be followed:

Always install new lifters with a new or used flat tappet camshaft. Roller lifters may be reused with roller camshafts only after careful inspection for excessive lifter wear. Always use valve springs that match the camshaft manufacturer's requirements for open and closed seat pressures at the correct installed height. Other valvetrain components may be required (screw-in rocker arm studs, pushrod guideplates, hardened pushrods, special distributor drive gear, etc.), depending upon the profile of the cam you choose.

Every camshaft includes installation instructions and break-in procedures. It is critical that these instructions are followed precisely. (These guidelines are not a substitute for the installation or break-in instructions.)

Use only the approved, manufacturer-recommended assembly lubricant. Assembly lubricant must be applied to every cam lobe surface, and to the bottom of every lifter face on all flat tappet cams. Also, be sure to apply assembly lubricant to the distributor drive gears on the cam and distributor for all camshafts.

NOTE: Many camshaft manufacturers do not recommend the use of synthetic oil during the break-in period. It is also not recommended to use any type of oil restrictors to the lifter galley, windage trays, or baffles, or plug any oil return holes in the lifter valley. Oil has a twofold purpose; it not only lubricates, but it also draws the heat away from whatever it comes in contact with. The cam needs oil splash from the crankcase and oil run-back from the top of the engine to help draw the heat away. Without this oil flow, all the heat generated at the cam is transferred to the lifter, which can contribute to premature wear and/or failure.

The following Mechanical operating clearances must always be verified to ensure the service life of the camshaft:
Spring coil bind clearance
Retainer to seal/valve guide boss clearance
Piston to valve clearance
Rocker arm slot to stud clearance
Camshaft endplay
Distributor shaft and gear endplay
Connecting rod to cam clearance
Proper hydraulic lifter pre-load
Proper valvetrain geometry

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