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Engine had not been run in many years. When it was last running it had a "lifter" problem. That's about all the owner could remember.
Before trying to get it started I pulled the valve covers and oil filter. Oil filter was metal free. I found two lifters not rotating.
Good , bad and not as bad.
The cam lobe for the bad lifter doesn't look or feel any different than the other lobes. I would suspect that the questionable lobe does actually have some sort of damage. But not, obviously, very much. In fact, when I put the good lifter on the suspect lobe and cranked the motor over a dozen times or so the good lifter did rotate on that lobe. Yes, I had the pushrod in and rocker snug.
Five points and credibility for anyone who recognizes this engine.
So, I would really, really like to keep this cam. Can it be saved with a simple refinish where I could reuse the pushrods I have now. Would it absolutely need to be reground? What would it take to get, say .001 ground off?
Pontiac? Are you trying to save it to maintain it's originality? I know Dave McLain has talked about grinding down old flat tappets on a post. I haven't seen him post in a while though.
I guess it was a roller cam, but I think someone that grinds cams for a living would be the person to talk to. I'm with charlie g on it though, I would find a stock replacement. I know how particular some car restorers can get though.
I guess it was a roller cam, but I think someone that grinds cams for a living would be the person to talk to. I'm with charlie g on it though, I would find a stock replacement. I know how particular some car restorers can get though.
1964 GTO. A stock profile unit seems to be unobtainable. Valve train can't withstand an upgrade. I can get a standard passenger car cam.
Three cam service specialty services don't have time to discuss the situation. Either don't return calls or closed until next week.
I posted here because I was hoping for an opinion from @Dave McLain
are you asking about a gto cam in the sb ford area? still those lifters tell me the cam is shot,
I agree that the cam can't be used without attention.
And I ask here about a Pontiac cam because I am actually making a generic query. And the Pontiac forums don't have nearly the traffic we do. Nor do they have, it seems, available experts.
This car is rough. But it's all there and still numbers matching. The owner, my uncle, bought it new in July, 1964. 87k hard miles. I learned to drive a stick in this car in 1975.
Until my uncle decides to do a total, top tier restoration the car doesn't need a $6000 engine.
If I get the car driving I expect we'll drive it around a bit then wouldn't be surprised to see it parked again.
I agree that the cam can't be used without attention.
And I ask here about a Pontiac cam because I am actually making a generic query. And the Pontiac forums don't have nearly the traffic we do. Nor do they have, it seems, available experts.
i can understand that issue all to well, esp with 64's being a one year only on many parts ,been there myself 64 numbers matching body off 3 men in a year
Last edited by charlie g; Dec 31, 2025 at 03:49 AM.
So, I took some measurements on the first four lobes. As you can see, the edge of the cam lobes under the middle of the lifters are running .001" taller than the opposite edge. Except the lobe Intake one which is under the worst lifter. It seems to have .004" worn away.
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