I have been finding that the biggest problem with premature cam wear is too low rpm in final gear causing too little splash lubrication. This has happened before when the 305 engines came out with overdrive transmissions. Under full load conditions, they would operate below 1800 rpm, and show up at the shop with flat camshafts, despite being stock. Now, the same thing is happening with the gm 4.8L engines.(especially in vans) They have damaged cam bearings from too low an oil pressure under full load. Occasionally, I will see it on a 5.3L also. The annoying part is that the oil pressure loss does not show on the oil pressure gauge till it is plugged with bearing material, and you have to either replace the cam bearings (and hope they are not spun) or change the block. This is one of my gripes about the LS motors.
Of course, in the aftermarket area, mismatched springs and cams are common.
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