are used cams worth it?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: taunton ma.
are used cams worth it?
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.
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
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.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
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
What cam specs are you looking for???
BC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
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?
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?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
What CAM Specs are you looking for?
What price would you consider good for a NEW Cam?
Bill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: taunton ma.
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.
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.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
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.
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.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
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.
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 256
From: St. Louis Missouri
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 470
Likes: 58
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.