nokeman

iTrader: (30)

there are people on this board selling cams for pretty good prices. they have around 3-8,000 miles on them. is it worth buying a used cam or should i just save up and get a new one? thanks!!

justin

1FASTBIRD

iTrader: (21)

The worth part is that you get a discount and you get the cam in no time. I mean like if the cam is on back order or something, but to answer your Question it is find to get a used cam. I would look for one that has lesser miles if I was you.

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

That amount of miles on a roller cam is nothing. They just don't wear unless you have a lifter turn on them. Then they are scrap metal. I've never had a problem with a used roller cam and I've installed quite a few of them.

tensecondz

iTrader: (1)

My biggest concern would be to verify the actual grind that you bought before installing.

Full-Force

iTrader: (11)

good point

As stated, a roller cams lobes do not marry themselves to the lifters like a flat tappet. I would run a used roller cam all day long .

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

I Never put in a new cam....ever.

BrianC98Z28

iTrader: (11)

like stated above roller cams dont wear unless the lifter is screwed. Shouldnt have a problem with used cam except just make sure its the actual grind you want. The cam i have thats about to go in my car is used cam

nokeman

iTrader: (30)

this is my first cam so how would i tell if its the right grind besides just asking? thanks guys!!

justin

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

There is usually some form of ID on the end of the cam. Comp is probably the easiest. They etch the lobe #s, LSA, advance and ser # on the end of the cam. GM puts the last 4 digits of the part # on theirs. Those are the two I'm most familiar with. Most mfgrs will put some kind of ID on their cams. It may me a code that only they can identify though. You can always sent it to Thunder Racing and get it cam doctored. I think they charge $25.

777

iTrader: (21)

You could ask. You could do a quick check for lift if you have a micrometer. Otherwise you'd need to take it to a cam doctor. Just buy from someone respectable and it will be correct. There aren't as many scammers around here as you think, at least with a decent post count and good feedback. If you don't know ask around and you can find out if the certain individual is a good seller. Like said above the roller cams don't wear hardly at all. I have a cam that has 8,000 miles on it and you can barely even see the wear on it. The only way you can tell is that the part where the roller went is a slightly different color. Probably because it is smoother. If you can feel scratches or see them then send it back.

777

iTrader: (21)

my comp cam had number's etched into. My tsp cam did as well. Some cams probably even have serial numbers. The only real way to find out is get it cam doctored though.

yak

iTrader: (15)

I have a used cam. just make sure they send you the right cam. I had to do the swap twice.

Hennytime

iTrader: (33)

do you know what code is for the gm hotcam?

nokeman

iTrader: (30)

thanks guys for all the help!!! i really appreciate it!! hopefully no one here would screw another member.

justin

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

You should be OK, as long as you buy from a reputable seller.

FastKat

iTrader: (10)

The biggest concern I had was that the cam was stored properly. I once bought a cam that had been in storage for a while and then polished up... you could still see and feel the rust pits on the bearing surfaces... they were very small but they were still there, and they'll tear the he$$ out of your cam bearings if installed. 1st yes, you need to make sure it's the right cam. But also be very VERY critical of the condition before you put it in your car.