“Barn” find 57 Chevy revival

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Obwonkonobe

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Ive started working on my late uncles old 57 bel air with a 327 and am almost done wiring it to fire it up. It looks like it’s been redone (at least repainted) so I’m not sure if the cam needs to be broken in. I put in some 10w 30 to spin it over with since it was bone dry, and some motor honey additive to help. But since it looks new I’m scared to start it because I don’t know if the cam needs breaking in.

I was wondering if to be safe if it’s okay to put in some break in additive to the oil I already have in it, and just hold it at 2000 or so rpm for 20 minutes the first time I fire it for more than a sec. also, recommendations for break in additive? Or if anyone knows how to tell if it’s broken in I’d love to hear it

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animal

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:waytogo: nice project!
 

DoubleDingo

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If you're questioning it, just do the break-in procedure for peace of mind. I think what you've already added will suffice for the break-in procedure. Nice project!

Back in the day I don't recall there being break-in oil, it was just conventional oil and change it soon after, usually after 500 miles. Some did it right after break-in. The oil back then had sufficient amounts of zinc added to it, but the "honey" you've added has upped the zinc levels enough to run it. I never use break-in oil, just conventional oil with stp oil treatment and haven't flattened a lobe yet.
 
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Onebad1983

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So what is the plan with it?
 

Obwonkonobe

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So what is the plan with it?
Just trying to get it running smooth and safe for my aunt, figure it’ll be a good thing to learn on
 

Obwonkonobe

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If you're questioning it, just do the break-in procedure for peace of mind. I think what you've already added will suffice for the break-in procedure. Nice project!

Back in the day I don't recall there being break-in oil, it was just conventional oil and change it soon after, usually after 500 miles. Some did it right after break-in. The oil back then had sufficient amounts of zinc added to it, but the "honey" you've added has upped the zinc levels enough to run it. I never use break-in oil, just conventional oil with stp oil treatment and haven't flattened a lobe yet.
I will say that I used the cheapo stp oil from autozone, that’s why I’d like to get a little extra insurance since that stuff is pretty bare
 

1987 GMC Jimmy

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I’d do the break-in since someone put that motor in there in place of a 235, 265, or 283, and you don’t know if it was started up. The older old timers must have really worshipped those 327s. My dad talked about getting a Tri-Five and putting a 327 in it, too, even with all the 350s, big blocks, and Gen III motors out there.
 

Obwonkonobe

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I’d do the break-in since someone put that motor in there in place of a 235, 265, or 283, and you don’t know if it was started up. The older old timers must have really worshipped those 327s. My dad talked about getting a Tri-Five and putting a 327 in it, too, even with all the 350s, big blocks, and Gen III motors out there.
I’ve heard good things about the small journals but apparently the large journals are just destroked 350s. Needless to say tho that once I get it running I’ll take it for a spin and see what the 327 is all about ;)
 

legopnuematic

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Looks like a nice start, If I were you I'd ditch that melon slicer flex fan in favor of a clutch fan unit before it ejects a blade into the hood.
 

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Ain't a friggin' thing wrong with a 327. Just oil her up good before you crank it and have fun!

Can't help it . . . my heart skipped a beat when I saw it.
 

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Back in the day when I had my 56 We could only dream about having a 327. I got a 283 block bored it .125 over and bought a set of pistons from Gratiot auto supply (Chicago?). Cost me $45 and shipping . What I ended up with is what we called a 301 but later on when chevy did it, it was a 302. 11to 1 compression 30-30 Duntov and 1.94 fuelies with an AFB. Rattled the hell out of the canopy over the local drive-in. It was fun!!!
 

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