Custom cam vs Off the shelf
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 400
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
Custom cam vs Off the shelf
So when one decides on a cam, as I am doing, I guess I have 2 options:
1) Get a custom cam from someone who can spec me a cam for my given set up or
2) Go with some of the tried and true cams that always get talked about (These are the ones that the vendors here on the forum have and typically give names to).
So here is my question... would I be better off with a cam that vendor X sells or getting a custom spec'd cam?
From what I can deduct, a cam from vendor X is a cam that has a proven track record and is known to give certain characteristics thus helping me know exactly what I am buying and should expect. The exact grinds of these cams come from what works and what doesn't, perhaps saving me the headache of figuring it out myself. However a custom cam is built for my exact set up. I would think this is a better way to go? But what is this a risk/benefit/plus of making a 1-off cam?
1) Get a custom cam from someone who can spec me a cam for my given set up or
2) Go with some of the tried and true cams that always get talked about (These are the ones that the vendors here on the forum have and typically give names to).
So here is my question... would I be better off with a cam that vendor X sells or getting a custom spec'd cam?
From what I can deduct, a cam from vendor X is a cam that has a proven track record and is known to give certain characteristics thus helping me know exactly what I am buying and should expect. The exact grinds of these cams come from what works and what doesn't, perhaps saving me the headache of figuring it out myself. However a custom cam is built for my exact set up. I would think this is a better way to go? But what is this a risk/benefit/plus of making a 1-off cam?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
I would stick with something you know will make power. Unless you have someone that really knows what they are doing and will be able to grind one for you that will make power, I say better safe than sorry. Also the cams that everyone has/had can tell you how the cam does on the street and were the power band is. One off cams you will kinda know but really wont know until you get it in the car and drive it, but hey thats just my thoughts. I run a MS3 236/242 .609 lift and I can drive the car anywhere and it has a very very nasty lope at idle. Good Luck with the search 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,475
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
So when one decides on a cam, as I am doing, I guess I have 2 options:
1) Get a custom cam from someone who can spec me a cam for my given set up or
2) Go with some of the tried and true cams that always get talked about (These are the ones that the vendors here on the forum have and typically give names to).
So here is my question... would I be better off with a cam that vendor X sells or getting a custom spec'd cam?
From what I can deduct, a cam from vendor X is a cam that has a proven track record and is known to give certain characteristics thus helping me know exactly what I am buying and should expect. The exact grinds of these cams come from what works and what doesn't, perhaps saving me the headache of figuring it out myself. However a custom cam is built for my exact set up. I would think this is a better way to go? But what is this a risk/benefit/plus of making a 1-off cam?
1) Get a custom cam from someone who can spec me a cam for my given set up or
2) Go with some of the tried and true cams that always get talked about (These are the ones that the vendors here on the forum have and typically give names to).
So here is my question... would I be better off with a cam that vendor X sells or getting a custom spec'd cam?
From what I can deduct, a cam from vendor X is a cam that has a proven track record and is known to give certain characteristics thus helping me know exactly what I am buying and should expect. The exact grinds of these cams come from what works and what doesn't, perhaps saving me the headache of figuring it out myself. However a custom cam is built for my exact set up. I would think this is a better way to go? But what is this a risk/benefit/plus of making a 1-off cam?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 400
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
So why do guys get custom spec'd cams? I have called several vendors from here and they all have "the perfect" cam for my set up. I am asking if there is anything to gain with a spec'd cam.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
Everyone you talk to is going to have the "perfect cam" for you. Look around on here for the dyno results and youtube for idle sounds and go with what you like.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 9
From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
just my .02
I think if you have an automatic then a spec cam might offer some advantages. As for a shelf cam compared to a custom cam, how would you ever know the difference unless you installed each and ran them on a dyno to compare? For a street car I would save the money. Buy some tunning software like HP Tuners and get the most out of your investment that way. There are lots of shelf cams that will make all the power you want.
Another thing to think about. Let's say a few years down the road you decide you want to change the cam. I don't see people wanting to buy someone's custom cam unless the price is discounted. Look at how fast some of the more popular grinds sell like a 224/224 or a 228/228 etc. They will bring ~$250 all the time.
I'm in the process of a HC myself and I just don't see the extra cost for a custom cam for a street car as a valued investment. Ok, I'm done
I think if you have an automatic then a spec cam might offer some advantages. As for a shelf cam compared to a custom cam, how would you ever know the difference unless you installed each and ran them on a dyno to compare? For a street car I would save the money. Buy some tunning software like HP Tuners and get the most out of your investment that way. There are lots of shelf cams that will make all the power you want.
Another thing to think about. Let's say a few years down the road you decide you want to change the cam. I don't see people wanting to buy someone's custom cam unless the price is discounted. Look at how fast some of the more popular grinds sell like a 224/224 or a 228/228 etc. They will bring ~$250 all the time.
I'm in the process of a HC myself and I just don't see the extra cost for a custom cam for a street car as a valued investment. Ok, I'm done
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 10
From: Jacksonville FL
Cost should be the same. If you go with a proven combo you should have a good idea of what you're getting based on others results. I've had a custom cam and it didn't make much of a difference. From what I've read Pat G does a good job; someone has to pick the cam and if you trust his experience go with it.
Get the best heads you can, thats the critical factor IMO.
Get the best heads you can, thats the critical factor IMO.
