kyrel6969
My 74 amc360 started eating dist. gears this fall and I have been thinking of what to do. So I have deicied that I am going to put a new cam in it sice I will have it tore down that far just to replace the dist drive gear.
So infor on my motor. It come out of a 74 waggy,, had 49k on it. I put a eldbrook(sp) cam and intake on it. That was in 2000,, it then put the motor in my off-road only cj7. I change the oil 2-3 time a year.
From what I have read my cam is most likly "walking". Is there a good way to check this? Or am I doing it right and just putting a new cam in it?
So what is the best off road cam for almost stock motor? I have a manual tranny if that matters
Thanks
82Waggy
You might read through the two threads that just took place regarding cams - one is called "Mild 360 build opinions", the other, "Another cam question, but this one is specific to my 401 build".
When choosing a cam, the RPM range that you run in is very important, along with exhaust system, intake, and carburetor used. Probably not much use in considering a high rpm cam in a stock high mileage motor.
Could be worn cam lobes allowing it to walk, or it could be a loose timing chain. If you replace the cam, I'd replace the timing chain too, and of course always use new lifters with a new cam. Check the condition of your cam bearings when you have the cam out - probably not a bad idea to replace them now based upon the mileage you have.
jeepsr4ever
If you dont plan on re-ringing a lift of no greater than .490 would be a wise choice and a duration of 210-220. A mild RV camshaft should work great.
kyrel6969
is there a way to check for worn cam lobes with out takeing the cam out to look at it?
How about test too see if the cam is walking
jeepsr4ever
You will need a indicator to check for lift on the top of a rocker and that will tell you if a lobe is worn down however it is not a good indicator of cam wear itself as a cam will wear mostly on the top of a lobe but also all the way around the lobe. Cam walk can be found by looking on the inside of your timing cover for the little dimple on the cover. The dimple will show heavy circular marks if the cam is walking.
kyrel6969
thank you now time to take the motor apart
