How much is too much

[Dick Steinkamp]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

NO cam can be reground and match original specs. Either the lift or duration has to change.

Not so. The base circle (heal) is reduced in order to have enough "new" material on the other end to grind the stock profile. Here's a good thread on that...

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...am-work.36558/

You do have to make up the difference in the slightly shorter total cam lobe. Usually done with adjustable lifters/rockers. With a stock model a valve train you would need new valves so that you have long enough stems to obtain the proper clearance.

I agree with Mitch to leave it alone since it runs fine now.
BTW, I have a Studebaker V8 and the spec calls for .024" valve clearance. I thought this would make the engine sound like a rear bumper dragging tin cans at a wedding ceremony, but it's quiet.

I have owned many Studebaker V8s and agree they are quiet engines when the valves are adjusted correctly. It is a function of the "ramp" on the cam from the lobe to the heal letting the valve down gently to it's seat. Contrast with a high performance Chevy V8 solid lifter cam that has so much duration that it has to literally "dump" the valve on to the seat. They make a pretty neat hot rod clatter .