429 Cam failure

Hello, new to this and new owner of BBF Cobra jet with Cam and lifter failure. Not sure if motor was put together correctly or Chinese parts were the reason, both lobes on #1 and wear on bearings.

70 Cobra wrote:Hello, new to this and new owner of BBF Cobra jet with Cam and lifter failure. Not sure if motor was put together correctly or Chinese parts were the reason, both lobes on #1 and wear on bearings.

I would post this in the Engine Tech Section if you're looking for answers!!

Most likely not a part failure. More likely that modern low zinc oil is to blame. Modern oils are not compatible with flat tappet cams. You have to use additives or an oil like joe Gibbs or Lucas that has high zinc contents.

stanger68 wrote:Most likely not a part failure. More likely that modern low zinc oil is to blame. Modern oils are not compatible with flat tappet cams. You have to use additives or an oil like joe Gibbs or Lucas that has high zinc contents.

ZDDP additives don't work for break in and in general are a waste of money. There are modern oils with plenty of zinc for flat tappets and specialty oils made just for flat tapper engines like the Driven HR oil. If you think you need an additive for your oil these days with all the specialty oils on the market, you're using the wrong oil.