Is a Cam really worth it

[homewrecker]

Originally Posted by High Cotton

Subscribed... I'm considering a 188/220. This thread is perfect timing.

Same here..What Ive read in the past couple days its been F1 cams, cast and billet that had wear problems. Curious as to what springs were run on those trucks. I'm with everyone else, dont want to be having to put additives in every oil change and shorten my oil change intervals. Arent Hamilton's cams made from Cummins blanks? Anything that can be done to the cams, like cryo'ing, coatings etc... to insure a long life?

[ClamDigger4]

Seems like awhile back Zach pulled one of his cams out of and old customers truck with over 200,000 miles on il and looked good. I might be off with my number. Can't remember 100 percent

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[NickTF]

If you're just looking for part throttle egt decreases along with much quicker spool if it were me I'd just buy a spool flange as I have done. It is my estimate, and others for that matter, that none of these cams will match the spool flange in bringing the turbo on faster which results in more power under the curve obviously. As far as peak power I would give the cam the edge given the spool flange does nothing to promote additional maximum flow.

[SHughes]

Originally Posted by homewrecker

Arent Hamilton's cams made from Cummins blanks?

So are Diesel Pro's cams I believe.

[Jim Fulmer]

I'd have to say it's worth a try as long as your not paying someone to put it in, that job is worth $600-800 in labor if I were to do it, just finished swapping a broken aftermarket back to stock before Christmas, can't say I noticed allot of difference but it's not from any company mentioned. Don't think I'd worry about any out there now breaking, if you want to see wear I can shoot a pic of it later this when I'm back home.

Jim

[SCHOOL BUS]

i wiped the lobes off a stock cam in my cr. they can all do it.

[2141pete]

Phil, I was very happy with the 181/210 in my 24v. I can't say the difference it made beacuse way too much changed with it, but I was using it to DD and tow with a 72mm single and a healthy 913 pump. I think depending on your setup and end goal will aid in the decision. Remedmber, guys were making big power and going fast before aftermarket cams and lots of guys still do it without them. That being said I am happy with the 181/210 I have in this 12v.

[AsTroSS]

Originally Posted by SHughes

So are Diesel Pro's cams I believe.

Maybe things have changed, but few years ago the 24V core was needed for good 12V cam

[wideopen]

But you rarely hear of a Stock Cam being pulled and showing signs of wear. If I go to the trouble/expense I want to be sure it's worth my time.

[jordanjames81]

subscribed, hope to post results of my maxspool cam that been run for two years pulling and maybe 800 street miles. Soon Im ditching it regaurdless of results in going with the 188/220

[High Cotton]

What is the consensus with the failures? Bad blanks, bad grinds, or problems caused by wrong valve springs?

['strokeThis_'07]

My truck cleans up after the cam, where before it wouldn't. And that's the only change of any significance.

From a dig, or even if I mat it at highway speed to pass or anything, it just blows smoke, a pretty decent haze. After the cam, it completely cleans up. Also seems to smoke less just driving around. This is stock fuel and air, just TNT/R.

[Joesixpack]

I've got that 188/220 on the bench and will be doing a direct comparison against the stocker on a super flow load cell with all the instrumentation hooked up. Will be able to compare everything from egts,boost,back pressure you name it between the curves.

When I went back to stock from the H2 I'm positive I've got better bottom end and spool out of the stocker.....

[SHughes]

Originally Posted by Joesixpack

I've got that 188/220 on the bench and will be doing a direct comparison against the stocker on a super flow load cell with all the instrumentation hooked up. Will be able to compare everything from egts,boost,back pressure you name it between the curves.

When I went back to stock from the H2 I'm positive I've got better bottom end and spool out of the stocker.....

For the love of peat, please take some videos too!!!!

[wideopen]

Originally Posted by Joesixpack

I've got that 188/220 on the bench and will be doing a direct comparison against the stocker on a super flow load cell with all the instrumentation hooked up. Will be able to compare everything from egts,boost,back pressure you name it between the curves.

When I went back to stock from the H2 I'm positive I've got better bottom end and spool out of the stocker.....

That would be awesome!

[SHughes]

Originally Posted by AsTroSS

Maybe things have changed, but few years ago the 24V core was needed for good 12V cam

I could be wrong...it's been known to happen.

Last I talked to Bill (a long time ago) he implied he was only using new blanks from then on, again I may have misunderstood.

It's been a while since I was in the market for a cam, and have nothing significant to report on my limited experiences.

[Spooler]

I would have done this a long time ago, but I probably wouldn't have gotten the same results. Cam designs have come a long way in the last year or so. I just installed one back in November 11'. Spools the turbo great and added alot to the bottom end. Truck is very enjoyable to drive while towing now.

Longevity, We shall see. The cam swap is not too bad. I am getting ready to swap it again in the next 4-5 weeks for an upgraded model.

[keifferscummins]

My 96 12v cam at 220k miles was wore out. Brazil cast in the side of the cam. It was stock up to that point except a little timing if that helps.

[Red Sleeper]

What about tappets? Are those a must when a cam swap is performed or more less peace of mind?

[SHughes]

Originally Posted by Red Sleeper

What about tappets? Are those a must when a cam swap is performed or more less peace of mind?

I think it's retarded not to. You have two surfaces wearing against each other...why put an old piece on a new piece. It's absolutely unheard of to run old tappets on a new cam in a gasser...why should a diesel be any different??