Yes, the rear flares took a long time; the fronts were easy by comparison.
I am running a 2 bolt 454 with +0.030 bore, a Comp 280 cam with non-roller lifters, 9.5:1 compression, standard heads, an Air Gap intake, a K&N, and a 750 Holley. It should make about 450 HP at 5500 RPM with over 500 pounds of torque at 2700 RPM. This will give me an operating range of 2800 RPM at the track. Next year I will replace the heads with aluminum ones; this will cut the front end weight a bit.
Longer term, I have a spare 454 block and plan to do a 4 bolt with aluminum rods, steel crank, roller lifters, etc.
I previously owned a 396 which ate the lobes off a cam also. I read an article lately that states
oil manufacrurers have reduced the
zinc from 0.05% to 0.02% because the particular
zinc compound, ZDDP, is a hazard. One additive mentioned was a GM engine
oil supplement; I have inquired at two dealers but they only show GM EOS assembly lube, not recommended as an
oil additive. An alternative listed was STP Oil Slabilizer, a new product with ZDDP.
Jim