Engine: R1 Camshaft

[papajoe]

I found a reground R1 camshaft , would it work ok installed in 1960 Lark 259 motor or will it not work in that motor ?

[PackardV8]

Yes, it will "work".

No, it won't work really well below about 3500 RPM. It will not idle as well, it will get less fuel mileage and have less low end torque.

Maybe, share with us why you'd want to install the R1 camshaft and what you hope to accomplish by doing so.

jack vines

[StudeRich]

If you have a Carter AFB or Edelbrock 4 barrel Carb. and install R1/R2 Avanti Valve Springs, it will work as good as it can, but what Jack said still applies.

I remember Jon Myer's Wife Betty had a '63 Wagonaire 259 that He set up that way, and it performed very well with the right Gearing.

[papajoe]

Well the truth is, when I had my 1960 Lark 259 motor rebuild I bought a what I thought a reground standard camshaft for it. ( I'm not happy with my parts supply company) But after I got my motor back and installed it in my 47 truck and got it running , I found out it was a R1 reground camshaft. It sounds like a big block but it surges a lot in mid speed town driving. What should the timing be set at ? I'm just running the standard 2BBL , manual 3 speed w/od and stock 4.82 rear gears. Im afraid I'm going to damage motor. Im ready to get a normal " standard "cam. I'm not that happy with it. I spend 9 years restoring it and I don't like the way it runs. Any suggestions ?

[JoeHall]

My suggestion is same as you are already thinking, replace the whatever-it-is cam with an NOS standard cam, or one that has been reground to standard specs. Also, if you currently have (low compression) "truck heads" in your 259, mated with that cam, it likely runs even worse than you can ever describe in words. LOL.

[papajoe]

The motor originally came out of my grandfathers 1960 Studebaker Lark. It was a strong running motor back in the old days. Thanks for reply

[swvalcon]

only way that cam would work decent in a 259 is with about 13-1 compression and a 650 cfm carb and flat on the floor for the full 1/4 mile.

[StudeRich]

See Post number Three, the Myer's engine had Stock compression 8.5 to 1, 259 Pistons, I rode in that one!

[papajoe]

Was it an automatic ?

[StudeRich]

Yes a Flight-O-Matic.

[DEEPNHOCK]

If you do decide to use it..... ALWAYS install new valve lifter/tappets.
Never run a new cam, or reground cam, on used lifters.

[Buzzard]

I might add to Jeff's important list, I always use GM EOS as well as a special camshaft/lifter lubricant from specialists such as Crane Cams.
Bill

[Jeffry Cassel]

Guess you all are right again. I just removed an R1 cam and installed a standard cam. It did not do well at all with the R1 camshaft.

[papajoe]

Thanks for all the advise I appreciate it. All the cars and trucks people have said they didn't have problems were all automatic transmissions. I plan on changing the cam with new lifters and special lube . The motor only has 300 miles since rebuild but I don't like the way it runs. Im really upset the the supply company sent me the R1 regrind and didn't tell me when I ordered a standard cam. I had all the rebuild parts sent to motor rebuilding shop so I didn't get to see them. Live and learn. Thanks again everyone , Ill keep you posted.