chevnut55

I have been looking for a cam for my stock w/headers ls1 and noticed a lot of used cams seem to sell fast.
I am used to the old small and big blocks where a cam lit sells for $100.00 the ls cams are so expensive but can not figure out why , there's no shortage and lots of suppliers and not much of a difference in material and design so why the jump in price?
Anyways Is a used cam worth it or spend the extra $100 or so and buy new.

73Corvette

If you mic all the lobes and bearing journals and they are in spec...don't know why it wouldn't work...IMHO

Spare Time Toy

I always buy new cams. One time I went for a used one and it was not as advertised. After much time undoing what it did it would have been way cheaper to just spend a little more on the front end.

Last C5

Properly installed with assembly lube a new cam mates with each of the cam journals and the lifters. A used cam isn't likely to achieve the same degree of match. I'd go new every time.

Bill Curlee

LS engine cams are a roller lifter cam. The roller lifter does not take a set like a tappet cam does. If the cam bearing journals, lifter rollers and the cam lobes are in good shape,, there should NOT be any issues.

What cam specs are you looking for???

BC

SPEED750

I see no problem buying used IF the lobes are in good shape and it has a ID # from the manufacture to check the specs.

I'm looking for a used cam for my LS1, and prices are high. Why is it off the shelve cams are $400 and custom ground comp cams are $400?

Bill Curlee

Speed750

What CAM Specs are you looking for?
What price would you consider good for a NEW Cam?

Bill

chevnut55

Most of the used cams I see for sale have less than a few thousand miles and have the oe box and cam card otherwise I would not bother .
the only thing I can see worrying about is if it got nicked or dropped.
However the used cam sellers seem to only drop $50-$100 of the price it cost new.
The least expensive price from summit for a cam is $280.00 witch is reasonable but still a lot more than comparable cam for a gen1 sm block at under $100.00 .
The most expensive is $592.00 wish there was a explanation of why it cost so much more , is it made from precious metals or magical?
I would think $300. new or $150. used would be reasonable unless its custom or for a high hp turbo or s/c motor .
I not sure of what Im looking for as its confusing ,every time I decide on a cam I hear it and its either too big for a stock ls1 or to smooth to notice.
I guess Im looking for the meanest sounding cam I can put in a stock ls1 with headers (no cats) and keep it a nice driving car.

grantv

For a difference of $100-150 I wouldn't even dream of buying used. To start, you might be settling for "what's available". Second. it's used.
Get advise from here and/or pick somebody you like and trust. Tell them your last sentence. Buy what they advise, new. If you get and like the advice from somebody here who sells cams, give them your biz (even if it costs you a few $). Just my 2 cents.

Bill Curlee

I have this CAM new in the box.. Check out the specs and see if it interest you. Here are the Specs:

PART # 8426
ENGINE: CHEVY LS1/LS6


GRIND # LS: 232/230

INTAKE EXHAUST
VALVE ADJUSTMENT HYD HYD
GROSS VALVE LIFT .580 .580 1.7 RATIO ROCKER

.006 TAPPET LIFT
VALVE TIMING OPEN
AT .050 INT: 34 BTOC 70 ABOC
EXH: 73 BBDC 29 ATBC

THESE SPECS ARE FOR CAM INSTALLED
AT 109 INTAKE CENTER LINE
INTAKE EXHAUST
DURATION AT .050 232 230 SPRINGS REQUIRED
LOBE LIFT .3476 .3430 VALVE SPRING SPECS
LOBE SEPARATION 110 FURNISHED WITH SPRINGS

THIS SHEET CONTAINS INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCT. PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION AND RETAIN THIS SHEET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

1. The attached specification sheet contains specific information about your new camshaft. Keep for future reference.
2. Please refer to the enclosed instructions for proper installation torque.
3. Call 256-413-3882 if you have further questions regarding component selection or product information.
4. ALWAYS CHECK PISTON TO VALVE CLEARANCE WHEN INSTALLING AN AFTERMARKET CAMSHAFT.

Tech

Amen to this.

apex26

Although it's true that it's a roller, it still the highest PSI in the motor. Seems a bit creepy to put a used cam in for the sake of saving a pretty modest sum. There are lots of clumsy, ham-fisted people out there, and I'd find a way to save $ elsewhere. But, on the bright side, old timers like us would rather loan select body parts out than put a used cam in--makes used cams in lower demand so you should be able to get a good deal.