First start! can i get 2000rpm with the idle screw?

[JointTech]

Im firing my engine with new cam this weekend. Its on the frame but I have no cab, so no gas pedal.

I dont want to try to hold the throttle on the carb with my hand for 20 minutes while breaking it in.
I dont have a real tach hooked up but I was planning on using the tach in my timing gun.

If I screw the idle scew can I get it to 2000rpm?
Anybody have ideas or advice?

Also whats more important tuning or breakin. for example say the engine is not running all that great, should I ignore that and just breakin the cam for 20 minutes and then fiddle with it, or try to somewhat set the timing and then run it at 2000rom for 20 minutes?

[hamjet]

You should be able to set the high idle from the choke high enough without having the choke on, and yes, keep it running, as long as its running you can fiddle with the timing, (distributer) to get it close. but keep the RPMs up for about 20 - 30 minutes. keep an eye on the temp gauge also. Good luck!

[Mrturner1]

On my Edelbrock 650avs the rpm is about 3000 when the idle screw is all the way in. I'd get it started and then make real suttle changes if you have to. If it's running ok when you fire it up and the temperature gauge says its normal, I'd leave it until you have that 20-30 minutes under your belt. Make sure your using break-in oil made for the break-in process specifically, especially if it's a flat tappet

[JointTech]

the cam is slathered in breakin stuff and I added zinc additive to the oil.
I dont have a temp gauge though. Maybe I should hook one up before i start.

[Mrturner1]

Originally Posted by JointTech

the cam is slathered in breakin stuff and I added zinc additive to the oil.
I dont have a temp gauge though. Maybe I should hook one up before i start.

Definitely have one hooked up before you start it. Additive should be fine

[70STOVEBOLT]

Also, vary the RPM between 1500-2500 during the cam break-in. I ran mine with straight 30 weight oil with a ZDDP additive for about 20 minutes between 1500-2500 RPM and then tuned it. A temperature gauge is a must, and an oil pressure gauge would be a good idea as well. Don't let it idle to warm up, just fire it, verify oil pressure, and rev it up. I changed the oil after 50 miles to 10W30. Good luck!

[Mrturner1]

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

Also, vary the RPM between 1500-2500 during the cam break-in. I ran mine with straight 30 weight oil with a ZDDP additive for about 20 minutes between 1500-2500 RPM and then tuned it. A temperature gauge is a must, and an oil pressure gauge would be a good idea as well. Don't let it idle to warm up, just fire it, verify oil pressure, and rev it up. I changed the oil after 50 miles to 10W30. Good luck!

All great advice, but I wouldn't suggest going lower than 2000rpm. That oil needs to be pumping and flinging as much as possible