used cam = bad idea?

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Jan 30, 2010 | 01:16 PM

whitedevilWS6

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From: Charleston, SC

used cam = bad idea?

i have been tempted many times to put a used cam in my 2000 ls1, but have been strongly advised against it. what's the deal with using used cams, and do lifters need to compliment it? what about on high mileage motors?

in my particular application, i have a 125k ls1 and wanting to go with a used '02 ZO6 cam with the GM "yellow" springs. am i just asking for trouble?

Jan 30, 2010 | 01:20 PM

99Hawk262

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From: Little Rock

I would say it depends on mileage among other things. I would consider it if the cam was low-mileage and in good condition. If you think about it, your stock cam has 125K miles on it and it's still fine. You would want to look it over really well and make sure there wasn't any corrosion, pits, nicks, excessive wear, etc. I'm certainly no expert, this is just my .02.

Jan 30, 2010 | 01:32 PM

David Q

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From: Houston Tx

You should be fine it's all roller. If it was a mechanical cam i would say no. just really look it over and make sure the lobes look good.

Jan 30, 2010 | 01:40 PM

jsteele90

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From: delaware

im running a used cam in my car!

Jan 30, 2010 | 01:41 PM

twelver12

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cams and lifters wear into each other just think about that

Jan 30, 2010 | 02:43 PM

whitedevilWS6

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From: Charleston, SC

yeah i was thinking about the lifters wearing into the cam also since i have a high mileage car. jsteele90 did you replace your lifters too when you swapped cams?

Jan 30, 2010 | 02:50 PM

maxspeed96ct

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used cam no trouble at all dont worry.

used springs Im not sure how i feel about that.

I have a set of LS6 springs kicken around (not yellow though) I can let go for dirt cheap.

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Jan 30, 2010 | 03:06 PM

Droptopws6

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From: 707

Used cam, injectors, rear end, intake. New heads, lifters, pushrods and tuned by me. 11.70's at 1200' with a terrible 60' I love used parts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5uL5_qIbb8

Jan 30, 2010 | 03:06 PM

#10

01ssreda4

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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005

I have installed used cams before on 100K+ motors with no issues.

Jan 30, 2010 | 03:07 PM

#11

223HAWK

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From: Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Roller cams are ok used as long as they dont have a lot of miles on them..

Jan 30, 2010 | 03:32 PM

#12

jcobra99

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From: St. Louis Area

Used cams for the win!!..... and for the Wallet

Jan 30, 2010 | 03:35 PM

#13

Armageddon

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From: AL

Flat tappet motors, used cam = bad
Roller Motors, used cam = fine

Jan 30, 2010 | 03:35 PM

#14

sixt9er

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From: Oakland, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Q

You should be fine it's all roller. If it was a mechanical cam i would say no. just really look it over and make sure the lobes look good.

I second that...exercise good common sense when buying anything used...

Jan 30, 2010 | 04:01 PM

#15

jsteele90

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From: delaware

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitedevilWS6

yeah i was thinking about the lifters wearing into the cam also since i have a high mileage car. jsteele90 did you replace your lifters too when you swapped cams?

sure didnt!

Jan 30, 2010 | 04:08 PM

#16

smok'nZ

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From: OKLAHOMA

i dont think sponcers would sell there used cam's if it wasnt safe but just a tip once you put that Z06 cam in your gonna wish you went bigger

Jan 30, 2010 | 04:09 PM

#17

eseibel67

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From: Kitchener, ON

The last moving component in an LS1 to wear out will be the cam.

With roller tappets and no oil pump to drive, that cam is going to be good for a long time.

I'm in the parts business, so I buy new EVERYTHING, but I had NOOO problem installing a used Z06 cam in my WS6.

Jan 30, 2010 | 04:15 PM

#18

whitedevilWS6

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From: Charleston, SC

thanks for all the help. and yeah i know the ZO6 cam isn't that big but the price is so sweet i can't pass it up. it's like getting a cam for 50 bucks. what would you estimate the power difference to be between a stock ls1 and an ls1 with ls6 intake and cam? any ideas?

Last edited by whitedevilWS6; Jan 30, 2010 at 04:16 PM. Reason: not finished