Cam opinions

[Carbur8tr]

This is mainly for those who have recently pulled any non-stock cam.

What brand
How many miles
How much wear did you notice

Reason I'm asking is because I'm debating throwing a cam in here in the near future. However, I've seen some mixed opinions on whether or not they're worth it for one and for two whether or not they'll last.

For instance I know Tyler had a Hamilton that looked pretty rough and really didn't have that many miles on it. I need something that's going to last in a daily

Also any opinions on the 178 vs the 182 grind? Truck won't see anything above 3700 so I don't see the need for anything larger than that but I'm open to suggestions.

[Rich dzl]

It's more about the zinc level in your oil and spring pressure that's been ran .

[jasonc]

Stay stock for a street truck, not worth it for the slight benefit.

[BRE]

What is the truck and what do you do with it?

[Poulina]

I'm staying with a stock cam in a 6.7 build…keep the stocker and save your pennies for lap dances

[Marq92]

Hamilton 178/208 if you do anything is the best one in my opinion for a vp truck.

[95cummins5.9]

Daily driver = stock cam...

[Carbur8tr]

Truck is a daily driver/weekend warrior and will more than likely never see more than 550 or so.

I like the idea of the 178 for better mid and low range spool, but really have to debate if it's worth it. Reason for asking is because I see a front main seal in my future so figured might as well while the front end is torn apart.


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[BRE]

Is this a cr or vp or 12v or??

[95cummins5.9]

550 hp = stock cam, easy.

[BRE]

Unless it's a vp truck. Then it's kinda hard to say it's a total waste of money. Needed... no but also not a bad idea

[YoungDiesel27]

My opinion is different from most but to me the VP trucks really benefit from small cam 178/208, 181/210 from colt. Most of the time I see better manners, better spool, less smoke and 100-150* cooler EGT.

[9724VF350]

I've put several 178's in 150 horse farm tractors and the way they get on top the charger off idle with a full load is night and day difference. The pto horsepower number isn't noticeably different, but it's not all about that number.

I've sold several to Amish and mennonites that use their tractors as cars. The ones I've talked to afterwards have all reported the same, along with better fuel economy.

[Carbur8tr]

Truck is an 01 vp.

So what about longevity. I've seen mixed reviews on if they last or not. Any thoughts?


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[9724VF350]

I've never personally laid eyes on a Hamilton cam that had problems, but I've heard of a few. To prove a point I ran my puller with a Hamilton cam all season without changing oil. 30 5000 rpm hooks with Schaffers 20-50. Cam looked perfect when I tore it down.

[Carbur8tr]

Circling back to this one because my front main is getting worse and I plan to pull the front end apart haha.

Colt, Hamilton, or another brand, what do yall prefer?

Right now I'm trying to decide between:
175-210 (Colt)
178-208 (Hamilton)
181-210 (Colt)

[YOUNG GUNS15]

Hamilton gets my vote every time


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[59turbo]

I have a question for you guy. I've always been told that if you replace a flat tappet cam then the lifters need to be replaced since they're worn in to their particular lobe. I can't see replacing these cams without replacing the lifters too which is a huge pain in these engines. So my question is are you guys that have done cams replaced the tappets too or just the cam and have you had any wear issues? I imagine those with wear issues have not put tappets in along with the cam. That being said I would not put just a cam in to the op's truck at this point for the small benefit and lower hp goal he is looking for.

[Carbur8tr]

Originally Posted by 59turbo

That being said I would not put just a cam in to the op's truck at this point for the small benefit and lower hp goal he is looking for.

Do you say that based off of the cost vs gains, or are you saying that because you don't see there being a point?

I'm not just looking for power. Been down that road, got the paper, I'm good. What I want is good power while also being able to broaden the powerband, or at least move it in an area where it's more enjoyable to drive.

I don't plan to make more overall horse power with it, hopes are to make more power down low.

[56cummins]

If your signature is correct, you might gain more down low from going to a 12cm/.70 gated housing. The 12 housing is always worth money if you don't like it.