Hey guys, I put a little over 100 miles on my freshly built motor this week and I'm in the middle of changing the oil (posting from my phone).

I noticed an oval pattern on the cam lobes, is that normal? I googled it quick and there was some disagreement on other forums. These are bp4w cams out of a car with 130k. Running Pennzoil's SAE 30 for the first few oil changes.

While we're at it, anything else I should check on? I retorqued the head (65ftlb) already since it's been through a few heat cycles.

If I'm being paranoid, just tell me to shut up and drive it.

Thanks guys.

 

I dug around a bit more after I got home and this appears to be totally normal. GFM.

 

I have two VVT heads that have cam wear identical to that. I am still cautious of it, but I can't seem to find out why it happens.

 

I'm going to keep an eye on it for sure. I was looking for any signs of oil contamination, etc. From what I googled this is work-hardening of the cam lobes. Probably worse with heavy springs.

 

I went back through my emails and found where the a Spec Miata engine builder told me it was possibly the cam journals going bad. I inspected them and nothing was out of spec. I ended up buying a machined head from him, that has the cam journals line bored and they show the same wear pattern.

 

My Kelford Cams look just like that, I have 3 stock heads on the bench...they all look like that. Don't sweat it.