Big Block 400 Build Series: Roller Camshaft Installation and Degreed

[@somebloke13]

Hi Joe. When putting a roller cam in my 440, I found that there was 6 degrees of dwell (no piston movement) at TDC. Basically this meant that after the piston stopped moving up in the bore (measured with a dial gauge), the crank carried on rotating for 6 degrees before the piston started to move down the bore and reading on the dial gauge. I was surprised at how many degrees of dwell there were. This meant that true TDC was 3 degrees AFTER the piston stopped moving up the bore. Once I had found this out, I set the TDC mark on my degree wheel to 3 degrees after the the piston stopped moving up the bore. Hope this helps

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for sharing. The shorter rod will have less 'dwell' time at tdc, but the long rod will have greater acceleration back down. I would bet that’s why the 400 had such short dwell

[@somebloke13]

@@JustMoparJoe Good point about the shorter stroke. It wasn't something I hadn't really considered before until I started the project, so I was surprised by how many degrees of dwell there were. It's a street engine, so not as critical as your build, but it was an interesting idea to factor in. Again, you may be aware, but another experience I encountered during my roller cam project is that it seems some aftermarket roller lifter manufacturers are advising people not to use traditional 20W/50 engine oils if you make the switch to roller from flat tappet. I used Comp Cams followers and had the spring retaining cap blow out in one lifter. Comp replaced it under warranty, and the new one although on the same part number, and a circlip instead of a spring cap to hold the lifter together. Clearly the spring cap has given them issues, and I think a combination of good oil pressure on a fresh build, and 20W/50 is leading to failures. Not sure what oil you are planning on using, but might be worth checking with Comp.

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@somebloke13 got her running! Videonup this afternoon 👍🏼

[@somebloke13]

@@JustMoparJoe Excellent. Looking forward to seeing the video!

[@edsmachine93]

Great video Joe. You are showing and teaching people good solid procedures. Nice degree wheel you have there. Glad you are using the positive stop method for finding the absolute TDC. As you know the method I use now for more than 40 plus years. You did a great job. I totally agree with you leaving the cam in the advanced position. 1.5° is very small amount. The cam is always retarding throughout it's life with a chain. So after a little bit of running and normal chain stretch it will be on the money. Great content as always. Take care, Ed.

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

I always appreciate yours and Joe's informative videos whether they are about engines, suspension or body videos it's all good 😊

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ed! I appreciate the support and tech information

[@Mopardude]

I like the zoomed in shot of the Smokey and the Bandit picture. The Dukes of Hazard shirt was cool too.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Nostalgia at its best! I got the dukes shirt in Nashville at big dukes store there.

[@wearegame777]

Teacher told us years ago that the rotating torque, as measured with a beam type torque wrench should be 5 ft-lbs for every rod and piston assembly that is added to the assembly. So 40 ft-lbs in total for 8 cyls, maximum. Chevk after each one is installed. Just something I learned that I wanted to pass on. Great videos, man!

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s interesting. I wonder if it was with standard stock hardware and 30 weight oil. Thanks for sharing!

[@ninjapumkin]

Loved how Burt was saying hi as you were cleaning the cam ☺️ You are doing an amazing job showing the steps. Hopefully working on my 400 this winter

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy! Giving away the secret recipe 😂

[@NathansMoparGarage]

It's always good to take your time and verify everything 😎

[@JustMoparJoe]

Horsepower is made in dollars and time!

[@TonysHotRodGarage]

Great video Joe! She's gonna be a ripper!🏁

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tony! Hopefully not bad for a smogger 😂

[@timwindsor03]

Thanks for sharing brother. Awesome video. Keep the content coming. Hope you have an incredible night.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tim! You do the same. I hope to get back on this one tomorrow.

[@musclerestorer7223]

Will order this tool tonight!! Great tech my friend👍🏻 have a nice week end 😎😎

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! It’ll be good to have forever!

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

I totally agree.... Nice build.....

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Steve!

[@drcracinggarage8047]

Nice work Joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy

[@captaindew3106]

Comp Cam is an Vintage brand for older American cars and trucks and vans and s.u.v's from the late late 60s and early 70s and 80s. they make vehicle to be supe up.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Captain

[@Mynextproject_74]

Man that billet cam core looks nice! Thanks for sharing the cam degreeing process.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Cley!

[@318willrun]

1st, Mopar people !!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

You’re the winner!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Maybe this one would wake the magnum up!

[@318willrun]

@@JustMoparJoe It needs some CPR ... 😂😂

[@318willrun]

@@JustMoparJoe Not too often, I git to win.... 😒

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@318willrun you’ll get her in the black van!

[@johnelliott7375]

They were new technology or only the big money could afford those roller cams the last 500 up motor I built. Good stuff JMJ.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy!

[@johnelliott7375]

If you are working with Mr. V, Andy, Ed's machine and the rest of them your going to have a great runner for the money and your precision labor. Can't wait to see it go.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m excited for it!

[@moparnut6286]

Man you've really upped your game😁👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John! Always improving!

[@jbslittleshop2897]

Great video sir. Enjoyed watching. 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I appreciate your support

[@slantfish65sd]

Great video Joe! Information as usual. Can't wait till this 400 up and running. With that large cam it should thump

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I’m excited to hear it, too.

[@mikecrawford5331]

Good overview!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you

[@jerayracing]

That is a nice cam! This build is really coming together! Can’t wait to see it in the barracuda 😉

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ricky! We will have to reweigh next year at NNN. Big block 406 vs. small block 408.

[@Scarlet_1971_cuda]

Great job. It's been a while since I degreed a cam. This was a great reminder on how to do it.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Buddy!

[@LunarOutlawsGarage]

awesome man really dig this build. I want to build a 400 block with a 440 crank.

[@JustMoparJoe]

It will be a fun one!

[@MyKARSShop]

Interesting that you mentioned cam timing affecting cranking cylinder pressure. Just aired a video on compression ratio versus cylinder pressure And talked about that a little bit as well.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yes sir. Real recognizes real!

[@MyKARSShop]

@@JustMoparJoe Thank you my friend. That is a huge compliment

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Will still be a great motor will sort out the chevs an Fords 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! 😂

[@jackwells1452]

Great video Joe, Engine is looking great

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Jack!

[@donaldhalls2189]

Looking good should be great, I don't know about cheap, the amount of work Ed did on that engine etc, couldn't be that cheap, here 20 year's ago it was $180 just for a head face, net alone boring etc, but it should rev well with all that work, can't wait to see it's performance, all the best to yous and your loved ones

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy!

[@1563smb]

I can't wait to see how it runs especially now that I know you got Michigan parts in it 😁

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy! That makes it cooler!

[@gregtough9055]

Another great video as always. I use a magnetic mounting bridge for my dial indicator, less potential variables that way. I also prefer to install the cam first with the empty block upside down, so much easier in my mind.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Greg! I almost did this one first.

[@spencersfoodreviews541]

Love the video

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great work! Cool stuff!👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mitch. Making horsepower by the minute and the dollar

[@Remow2112]

Hi Joe, building very close to an identical motor. Different cam and I am using Trick Flow 240 heads. Pistons are .025 in the hole for me. Where did you get the cool crank nut socket you were using? You should really gives us part numbers for cool tools in the comment area! :)

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy! Check out comp 4799. I added to the description, on your fine recommendation!

[@ryanbarsness]

Hey Joe, where you going with that Camshaft in your hand.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Now you’re getting it! I’m going down to shoot my old lady, saw her degreeing another man’s cam

[@ryanbarsness]

@@JustMoparJoe me and my dad where watching the video and he said to me I bet he is gonna do 1.6 rockers and not even 2 seconds later you revealed that. Lol

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

That's right Joe, just a bit of advance on any cam never hurts 🤕🤢 anything except the guy or gal in the other lane LOL 😂.

[@JustMoparJoe]

😂 right on

[@mikestackhouse9001]

Good video Joe, very well explained. What is the advantage of 1.6 vs 1.5 rockers? Are the 1.6 rockers more robust?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mike. They multiply the cam lobe 1.6 times, instead of 1.5. So it gives more lift for any cam. You can use a formula like[ .500 lift/1.5)=33333x1.6=.533. So it would add around .033 to a .500 lift cam.

[@mikestackhouse9001]

@@JustMoparJoe thanks for that explanation. Makes a lot more sense to me now. Love following your channel!

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@mikestackhouse9001 thanks for the support!

[@russellhunsaker4315]

That confused me but you made it look good

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! They say always check your math 😂

[@johnelliott7375]

Old late 70's early 80's. Blue should be purple in color. A man I new roller his Super Bee an had a killer 440 and every part that you could get from Chrysler corporation racing catalog. He was fortunate to save the motor that was in the car and had a whole complete second set up of the next bigger parts. 30 over racing pistons solid flat tappet cams and the whole 9 yards. I'm going to get out his way and see if he is still alive and owne his family farm still. Last time I was out there there were only 4 farms on the whole road and he was the last hold out in the early to mod 2000's, 2004/5. He worked for the steamfitters union even though he broken his neck and had it completely fused. I will keep you posted on what I find out. He was like last hold out the whole road was sold in , .1 acre lots and made into cookie cutter homes.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Awesome! Keep me posted

[@MOPARMuscleLEBANON]

i have a 400 big block in my 73 Charger , i think they're bulletproof

[@JustMoparJoe]

My brother had one in his 73 when we were in high school. He couldn’t blow it up, and idling hot the oil pressure would drop to nearly zero. It still lives somewhere out there!

[@andrewelliot5516]

I have a very similar solid roller for my 400 build - just a question, how far below the deck are the pistons and how far did you cut the deck to get them there? Enjoying the build, still need funds for mine . . .

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Andrew. Mine are .015 below deck. It was decked to the point of trying the block. Mine is within .0005 side to side, front to back! Check out the “Hidden power” video. I discuss how much was decked and how it helps.

[@stannelson2582]

Wish I knew more to make an interesting comment. So great shirt! Oh and does your mom know you stole her autographed Smokey and the Bandit picture and have it in your shop? 🤨

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Thanks Stan. My brother actually got that signed Burt poster framed for me a few years back.

[@edward-x3s6f]

Joe , You ever get Tired Of Winning 🤣

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Luck favors the prepared! Thanks for the support

[@williamturner8422]

Hey Joe, were are you going with that "Cam in your hand ?"

[@JustMoparJoe]

Going to shoot my old lady..caught her messing round with a Ford man

[@williamturner8422]

@@JustMoparJoe so your going to "Hole shot your old Lady, you caught her racin with another man"

[@JustMoparJoe]

😂

[@robertmagni7201]

Will the solid roller lifters increase the rpm limit? I’ve heard people talk about solid roller lifters on a hydraulic but I thought it was a urban legend

[@JustMoparJoe]

It should make more rpm. Oddly enough, the solid lifter weighs less than a hydraulic. Should move faster and be more stable at high rpm.

[@kellymontoya3258]

What's the purpose of the cam button do all engines have them or need them? Stock or hi performance engines

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Kelly. It’s more of an issue on roller cams. Big blocks don’t have a plate between the cam and block. Very similar to a SBC, the cams can “walk” under deceleration. When accelerating, they are pulled backwards. But let off, they shoot forward. Also, at high rpm’s they can “walk” forward and back. The button helps stabilize it and maintain HP.

[@kellymontoya3258]

@@JustMoparJoe thanks Joe here's my engine just put headers on it inexpensive ones from summit

[@kellymontoya3258]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKram4qsatlohK8

[@garryhatchett775]

Why hydraulic cam with solid lifters? Experiment?

[@JustMoparJoe]

More rpm capability of the cam, more stability at higher rpm. Revs faster, but has a softer ramp than a solid roller cam. Here’s a link. www.google.com/amp/s/www.motortrend.com/how-to/solid-lifters-on-hydraulic-cam/amp/ Great video on degreeing a cam. Motor trend has an article on running solid lifters on hydraulic cams, basic lash settings to do it.

[@danieljacobson5774]

Joe did you get the 400 dynoed yet

[@JustMoparJoe]

Next week! We had an ice storm hit the state and shut it down.

[@JonnyMopar]

Wait, what made more power? The tight chain or the loose one?

[@JustMoparJoe]

The loose one! It was interesting to hear. Loose is fast they say

[@williamturner8422]

@@JustMoparJoe the loose chain is susposed to pull harder in high gear.

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@williamturner8422 that would make sense, if it made more hp on the dyno

[@miketaylor7487]

10:05 gear...😄

[@JustMoparJoe]

Oh yes. I’ve been hounded about the terminology. I may say Cog next time 😂

[@mikeeiben3430]

How does this cam compare with the 408's cam?

[@JustMoparJoe]

It will have more lift by .020. Duration is very similar, but the 400 has a 110 separation vs a 108. I would guess the 400 revs faster and pulls to 6,500+. The 408 was done by 6,000-6.200.

[@williamturner8422]

@@JustMoparJoe Hey Joe, do a little research on the recommended r.p.m. limit for the cast crank. I think 6500 might be the max recommended for cast crankshafts. I know that the forged steel will live at 7000 for a very long time with good aftermarket con. rods.

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@williamturner8422 from what I’ve studied and was told by some professionals, it’s referenced by horsepower. With proper balancing and appropriate clearances, it should live for a long time at 500 horsepower.

[@williamturner8422]

@@JustMoparJoe O.K. , very good.

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@williamturner8422 I likely won’t go over 6,500 in regular use. I’d rather it live a long time

[@big3fan916]

Engine will be ready before ya know it !

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother

[@johnelliott7375]

400 or 383 that is my question for you all big heavy duty MOPAR men. I want to make a good time runner that is a big.. inch with a 4 speed car. Health , time, and the rate of the destruction of the older ones I want to get moving before the hobby/sport of hot rodding gets to be out of the common man's reach. I know that nothing is cheap but the more I can do and get now will be a great thing before they get to the point that the people who have what is left is crushed junked or bought up by the big boy seller/collector crowd and there is none left or won't be worth buying, possibly be hoarded out by this generation. Great evening to you all and I will wish you a great weekend and enjoy your video then pass it on as always buddy.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John. We will give the 400 a spin!

[@smilsmff]

unless you run 13.5 :1 compression, i would rather run it advanced. comp grinds all of theirs adanced by 4 degrees is what i heard when doing dot to dot line up.low static compression and short stroke with low lift cams are not great on street

[@JustMoparJoe]

The original paperwork was with this cam, and said that it had 4 degrees added for better “street-ability”. This one will be around 10.5/1 after the heads are cut. Just an inexpensive experiment for a bracket car.

[@iamnoone.]

318 off the line first

[@JustMoparJoe]

Every time!

[@rodneybyrd9516]

4.88:1, FTW!!! lol 😅

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Thanks for the help and support!

[@rickseeman5679]

Sexy looking crank tool.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Thanks Mr. Rick.