i'm about to install my pro-1's, any advice on how to break them in? i searched and saw a lot of conflicting advice. some say it's not needed, others say it takes all of 10 seconds, while others say to run it at 2000 rpm for 20 minutes. who's right?

 

20 min/2000 is good. I add to this be careful with the vtec lobes because they break in only when in vtec. First 5-10 times in vtec keep there for only a second then back out. Also use a C rated diesel oil. Dan


Modified by Dan Ruddock at 9:44 PM 3/30/2006

 

Because they have such large primaries, make sure you fully loosen all the adjusting screws before you install them, to prevent cracking. Some may say that is overkill, but who gives a crap, you have to loosen them all anyways for a valve adjustment.

We've been using Torco assembly lube (any Moly based lube will work), and don't be shy about putting it on either. As with any startup, idle long enough to check for leaks around the cam seal/distributor, and you will be good to go. Cams don't have anything to break-in, nothing to seat, just correct installation and carefulness is required.

Don't forget to change the oil after 25-30 miles. That moly lube makes quick work of engine oil.

 

cams sure do have to break in.....two mating surfaces rubbing hard together.....thats why oil is needed!
within the first 10 seconds is pretty well where the damage will occur, if not, your good to go.....what we all do that is not so good, is use new cams with old rockers, its too bad the rockers sets from honda are so much money.
fire it up and hold it at 2000 R's, for a few minutes and thats good.
vtec lobes break in at the same time.....they are rubbing against the LMA, just under less spring pressure than when vtec is actually engaged, but they do break-in. a vtec lobe can get scuffed without ever getting onto vtec/full spring pressure.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PocketRockets Racing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">cams sure do have to break in.....two mating surfaces rubbing hard together.....thats why oil is needed!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I suppose if you don't have access to good assembly lube, then that statement is true. However you can run a motor on Torco lube for a minute w/o oil. That stuff is sticky as hell and works great. Ideal for bearings and cam installs.

 

so just let it idle after installation? or hold it at 2000 rpms for a few minutes?

 

All my motors i've built, i simply dry set the valve lash on the loose side like one other person said, then by the time you run it to get it up to temp your fine. Reset the valve lash to spec and go have fun!!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PocketRockets Racing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">cams sure do have to break in.....two mating surfaces rubbing hard together.....thats why oil is needed!
within the first 10 seconds is pretty well where the damage will occur, if not, your good to go.....what we all do that is not so good, is use new cams with old rockers, its too bad the rockers sets from honda are so much money.
fire it up and hold it at 2000 R's, for a few minutes and thats good.
vtec lobes break in at the same time.....they are rubbing against the LMA, just under less spring pressure than when vtec is actually engaged, but they do break-in. a vtec lobe can get scuffed without ever getting onto vtec/full spring pressure.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i would listen to this guy