As I said in my introduction a few months back...I'm a metalshaper more than a mechanic and I'm afraid this has bit me.
I'm a dumb ass and I've probably trashed my motor and wasted a grand and a bunch of time. I ordered a new cam from Clifford for my 250, one of their 264s based on their recommendation. The cam that came out of the car had a thrust plate AND a tapped hole with a bolt and washer to locate the cam. The new cam did not have the tapped hole and I didn't think anything about it. Froze the cam and pressed the timing gear on, installed, etc. Motor ran for about 10 minutes and started backfiring through the carb.
I quickly shut it off, pulled the valve cover and noticed #4 pushrod was about 2" below the rocker...pulled the side cover and found a lifter broken in half...bottom half and internals in the pan.
The cam walked backward and the lifters got off center lobe and a couple lobes are wiped. Called Clifford and they said there is supposed to be an allen screw behind the rear freeze plug on the cam gallery that determines the forward location for the cam and the thrust plate determines the rear location. News to me and there was NO paperwork or instructions with the cam....still it was my fault. No warranty of course but whatever I do it won't be another Clifford. I expected some instructions at least but I
should have called them with questions.
I'm still using the head with the repaired boss and stock springs. Clifford said I needed 125# springs anyway and I'm not sure the head will hold up to it so I'm not sure what to do. I have no idea what stock SB springs rate and don't have a way to test them.
Haven't pulled the block yet so there may or may not be damage in the innards.
I'm thinking I basically wasted a bunch of money on this whole thing...I've got three choices as I see it.
1- IF my short block is good, I could get a new head. I'd like something better than the stock head especially since I have the Clifford intake and a 500 cfm Edelbrock and tube headers. I do want a very streetable motor though...something the wife can drive without having to slip the clutch at 2000 rpm to get it moving. What kind of head work do you think I'd want, cam to go with it. Who builds such things and what kind of price would
the loaded head run me?
2- IF the bottom end is ok, replace the cam with a milder version that will work with the stock small block springs (new).
3- I found on ebay an outfit in Washington state that offers a totally rebuilt 292 for $1000 + $175 shipping + $175 core and it has a 7 year 100,000 warranty. Everything new.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...%3DOp2%26ps%3D5 Ever heard of them?
Would my intake and exhaust manifolds work or be overkill on a stock engine?
Looking for options, insights, and advice. This happened this morning and I was so happy I just cut the grass...
Regards
Kerry Pinkerton
