I was wondering what was changed with regards to the oiling system on 70-up BBCads? I think my car ate the cam and cupped a lifter, so while I have it apart, I was wondering if installing a restriction or enlarging a passage somewhere would accomplish what the later production blocks did. (still regretting letting that '72 coupe go to the crusher without grabbing the engine. Damn. Student income sucks!)

It's my understanding that the oil passages are smaller. I'm not really sure where though. I'm also not sure if there's much that can be done to make the passages larger or if it's even necessary.
Stop by the CB7 forum and check out the post by Potter about modern oils. There seems to be a direct link between modern oils (the lack of zinc) and cam failures. It's an interesting read.

 

The earlier blocks did have smaller oil passages but it wont make enought difference on a mild build motor. Cadillac changed them when they went to the 500 and just used the new blocks for both motors. One thing you can do is bore out the pickup screen port to fit the larger pickup screens that might help a litle bit with oiling. - Justin

 

After the rebuild, I'd personally stick to full synthetic oil... I like Mobil1. It'll flow alot better thru smaller passages.

 

Thanks, i'll take a look into that stuff. I'm also considering shimming my oil pressure relief valve with a spring or two to help up the pressure a tad.

I'm not exactly going for a full rebuild, just fixing whats become an issue. So far the list has valve cover gaskets, cleaning the drainbacks too, bet there nasty, removing the intake and cutting the center out, decarboning the valves and combustion chambers, new cam, lifters, and maybe pushrods, timing set, Maybe HEI, and a new waterpump. Thats assuming i don't find any nasty suprises in there and the list grows...

I know its an off chance anyone knows, but can I squeeze a cam in there without removing the grille? I plan on pulling the rad, condensor, and rad support but since I have that point in the grille pretty far out... Those bolts havent budged in 37 years, i'd really rather not mess with them given the choice.

 

It's my understanding that the oil passages are smaller. I'm not really sure where though. I'm also not sure if there's much that can be done to make the passages larger or if it's even necessary.
Stop by the CB7 forum and check out the post by Potter about modern oils. There seems to be a direct link between modern oils (the lack of zinc) and cam failures. It's an interesting read.

Interesting, it pretty much goes with what was recommended for the late model engines as per the ex-guru. I have been using Delvac for a bit, but have Rotella in there now. There looks to be a fair amout of sludge and crap everywhere in the valve covers, maybe this car was subject to the old 10w-40 oils? I'm interested in finding out whats hiding in there, as the valve covers are RTV'd on (probably why there leaking now) so someone was messing with something at some point in time.

 

Thanks, i'll take a look into that stuff. I'm also considering shimming my oil pressure relief valve with a spring or two to help up the pressure a tad.

I'm not exactly going for a full rebuild, just fixing whats become an issue. So far the list has valve cover gaskets, cleaning the drainbacks too, bet there nasty, removing the intake and cutting the center out, decarboning the valves and combustion chambers, new cam, lifters, and maybe pushrods, timing set, Maybe HEI, and a new waterpump. Thats assuming i don't find any nasty suprises in there and the list grows...

I know its an off chance anyone knows, but can I squeeze a cam in there without removing the grille? I plan on pulling the rad, condensor, and rad support but since I have that point in the grille pretty far out... Those bolts havent budged in 37 years, i'd really rather not mess with them given the choice.

Isn't it going ot be getting replaced from the accident anyway?

 

Nah, the grille is acceptable. The hood is the biggie.

 

Thanks, i'll take a look into that stuff. I'm also considering shimming my oil pressure relief valve with a spring or two to help up the pressure a tad.

I'm not exactly going for a full rebuild, just fixing whats become an issue. So far the list has valve cover gaskets, cleaning the drainbacks too, bet there nasty, removing the intake and cutting the center out, decarboning the valves and combustion chambers, new cam, lifters, and maybe pushrods, timing set, Maybe HEI, and a new waterpump. Thats assuming i don't find any nasty suprises in there and the list grows...

I know its an off chance anyone knows, but can I squeeze a cam in there without removing the grille? I plan on pulling the rad, condensor, and rad support but since I have that point in the grille pretty far out... Those bolts havent budged in 37 years, i'd really rather not mess with them given the choice.

The cam may go in without removing the grill but I would think it would be easier see things and move things around with the grill out of the way.