Billet cams and lifter supply

[nolongerracing]

Originally Posted by John Duzac

Looking at the photograph of damage to the cam lobe makes me ask one question. What brand/type of oil was used in this engine?

The reason why I ask is my new 350 engine had about 30 runs on it and began to run slower and slower. I checked the leak down and one hole had 40%. I sent the engine back to my engine builder. It was discovered that all 8 pistons were ruined, along with the tool steel lifters. I always used Joe Gibbs oil and never had any problems. Gibbs oil was sold and manufactured under the name of DRIVEN oil. Samples of the used oil were sent in for testing. The results have not been received yet. Has anyone had issues using DRIVEN oil?

This is a "steel" stocker cam that had Shubeck lifters. 240/500 spring pressure. VR1 oil most of the time. Gibbs or Driven when needed. May have 200 runs on it. 15 of the 16 lobes are like this. Notice it's in the same place on the lobe. Joe Shubeck told me this is from a poor core or poor heat treat. He said to treat the cam lobe as a new "highway". As soon as the first little imperfection is found and tires keep rolling over the same area you create a "chuck hole". Thats what we have here.