Ok, I've got a K cam and am gonna drop it into my 18.001 second '83 245. I've got a question or two. Is assembly lube necessary on a used K cam? Also, from what I've read it seems the base circles are the same with the stock B23F 'M' cam and the 'K'. If this is true, and barring any wear with current cam/shims combo, is shim replacement necessary?

Finally, has anyone done this swap and has any special tips for me? I'd appreciate any help since this is my first swap and I want to make it a good one. Thanks for any help you can give me. This place has been great!

I just poured Mobil 1 on the K and the VX when I did them. I would get the engine assembly lube next time, probably. However, the shims must be checked and changed to recommended clearances, especially with the K (based on the difference it made in my valve measurements). I ran the K for 1 day in the GT with some valves at .012 and had oil in the coolant and a head gasket job to do by the next weekend. Now I run .016 - .018 cold religiously. Some say there is no causal link but I think it is too much of a coincidence to ignore.

Yes use the lube on the cam. Not sure if the oil ports are visable or not but try to fill them up as well. Lube is cheap and easy. It is either 90 weight rear end oil with just enough motor oil so you can make it flow or motor oil with STP added. Pour iut over the cam and on the bearing shells. Cost is under $5.00 for the entire engine. Run the engine for one day or less then change the oil and filter.

Bill D.

I don't know a thing about the K cam, but I'm really anal about greasing parts when installing them.

And I mean that seriously :) Lube the camshaft. I believe in it.

I would agree with Mike's comments... let me add that if you use some "break-in" lube (and I suggest you do), don't run the engine for more than 30 minutes before you change the oil... that stuff gums up the oil filter pretty quickly.

Isaac,

Haven't done the swap, but here's my thoughts have built a few engines. Check valve lash once installed. The base circles may be the same, but since they don't provide lift, there could be a wider tolerance on them. You will be there, so check to make sure valve clearances are spot on. Assembly or break in lube (grease) is used because, generally, on a new engine, you have to wait a bit for the oil to get everywhere (like to the top of the head on an OHC engine). You shouldn't have that problem, but to be safe I would use break in lube (essentially a grease to hold you over until the oil arrives). Good luck.