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Aluminum vs Iron: Camshaft interchangable?
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Author:  Oldshaven [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 11:40 am ]
Post subject:  Aluminum vs Iron: Camshaft interchangable?
:?: Trying to make one engine out of two for the 1961 Belvedere! After the "new" 1980 225 wouldn't get any oil pressure, we pulled it back out and discovered nothing in particular. But we also started looking at the ALUMINUM engine again, and internally it is in pretty good condition. So, will the camshaft from an IRON 1980 225 work in an ALUMINUM 1961 225? Please advise!
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 11:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Yes, it will, but you will want to (a) make sure the '80 cam is in good condition before using it, and (b) keep all 12 lifters matched to the lobe they started on. Mixing and matching lifters that used to ride on a different cam (or used to ride on a different lobe of the same cam) = rapid cam and lifter wear-out.

What's the motivation here? Did you find the reason the '80 engine wasn't making oil pressure? How hard did you look? And what components are you planning on mixing/matching between the two engines? Crankshaft and rods will not swap.
Author:  ceej [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 11:56 am ]
Post subject: 
That's going to be a hydraulic cam. The easy answer is: No.
For what a regrind from Oregon cams costs, you can get an OEM grind without the hassles associated with the Hydraulic cam. You'll have to change out to Mechanical lifters anyway, and lift will be pretty lame.
Erson's RV10M or RV15M will spice it up a bit, while maintaining a nice idle quality. I run an RV15M RDP. Nice cam. Lot's of choices. Look up the Erson cam group buy in the "Frequently asked questions" Thread above.

CJ

Edit: Don't mix hydraulic and mechanical valve train parts. Without a bunch of work, they don't play well together!
Author:  Oldshaven [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Both engines are now completely DISASSEMBLED. There was no unusual wear to ANY of the bearings in the iron engine, but it was obvious that no oil was getting on top of the head. Motivation? At this point, the aluminum engine is the ORIGINAL engine, and if we can make it work, why not? :D Both engines have solid lifters so I do disagree with the assertion that the 80 has a hydraulic cam.
Author:  ceej [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
That's a cross over year for the Hydraulic. It's something to be aware of.

The mechanical cam in the 80, will work just fine. Have you checked the cam bearing to see if it's lined up correctly in the block? if the passage missaligns, you won't get oil up top.

Did you pull the oil pressure sending unit to see if you got oil flow from the pump?

CJ
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 2:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
First year for the hydraulic valvetrain was '81, not '80 (and not 80.5).
Quote:
Motivation? At this point, the aluminum engine is the ORIGINAL engine, and if we can make it work, why not?
Right, but what exactly are you trying to accomplish by tearing down both engines?
Author:  Oldshaven [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
LOL! This has just been generally frustration for my Dad and I. However, at this point I think we've decided it is wiser, considering the amount of work we've already put into retrofitting the iron engine, to stick with this one and correct the oil problem. The aluminum engine was already apart as we were curious about it once removed. And once we got the iron engine back out of the car, we started reconsidering the aluminum. It was after all, the original, AND they are pretty to look at, with the visible cylinder outlines, etc. But I think we would be asking for trouble down the road with that one. After all, the iron engine didn't lock up...even with no oil up top! Will keep everyone posted on our progress...or lack thereof! :D Thanks for the help, folks!
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