Thread: Economy priced cams ???

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Anybody know much about the 'economy' priced camshafts that are advertised? Do they last? The car will be a weekend toy, will sell it in 2-3 years. Looking to buy one,,,around 450-500 lift and will change lifters also. Can they be installed straight up? Will the lobes wipe away after a few thousand miles ? Do they brake in 99 1/2 pieces if you race it ? This car obviously isn't a 'keeper' but I don't want to buy one of these cams if they are junk.

I've had pretty goog luck with PAWs SSI house brand (don't know fro sure anymore, but they used to be ground by Milidon years ago).

At least on the SBC cams they are already ground 4 degrees advanced, so I would either install straight up, or degree them on installation.

Longevity depends on how they are broken-in. Hydraulic and solid tappet cams can be worn down right away if not done right. You might be suprised how many cams are ground by just a few companies. OEM, aftermarket, you name it- are usually supplied by a handful of companies. I know that there is a company in my home town that makes cams for a LOT of different companies. Still can buy them through different outlets, just in ummarked boxes. 20 years ago, could call them with a grind you wanted,stroll in there and pay $25.00 for a SBC hydraulic cam. I still can buy for that, but have to go through distributors now.

Chris Laarman
Ottawa Engine and Performance
www.ottawaengine.com

check out crower... they make good cams, got mine with 478 lift for $98 brand spanking new... i dunno if thats ECONOMY to you.... but its pretty cheap for a good name IMO

elgin cams .howards cam and lifters kit cl112041 510 /510 246/246 110 ls $99.95 www.competitionproducts.com

Mellings and Elgin both make good economically-priced cams. I got an Elgin for my 351W a couple of years ago, works great after 30K miles.