Thread: Salvaged camshaft

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So my modded pickup truck burnt down on the highway and i am wondering if the camshaft is salvageable. Im currently rebuilding a SBC for a camaro and would like to use my old cam. Is is an Isky Camshaft -280 duration, 580 and 610 lift. The fire didnt do a ton of damage to the engine, the valve covers melted off, but the aluminum heads didn't melt at all. Im guessing that since the camshaft is deep in the motor, its probably fine, right?

Any advice?

It might be OK - but why chance a new motor for so little money as a camshaft costs - plus you can upgrade to a roller version instead

Originally Posted by xrockonx

So my modded pickup truck burnt down on the highway and i am wondering if the camshaft is salvageable. Im currently rebuilding a SBC for a camaro and would like to use my old cam. Is is an Isky Camshaft -280 duration, 580 and 610 lift. The fire didnt do a ton of damage to the engine, the valve covers melted off, but the aluminum heads didn't melt at all. Im guessing that since the camshaft is deep in the motor, its probably fine, right?

Any advice?

I would consider your thoughts to re-use a flat tappet camshaft nothing short of voodoo economics. If you can't afford a roller right now, then save up until you can. You can buy a Howards cam and roller lifters for less than 500 bucks. That'll look like peanuts if you roach your flat tappet cam.

if the cover melted off i would worry about how hot the cam was before they put the fire out with water or what ever they used ? as the water would hit the cam in some spots thru the drain backs but if it s not all rusty and they did not fill it to the top of the intake with water . look at the cam bearing if not melted out of the block and come out nice and you feel very lucky you could try it .i am not lucky so i wound not do it .lifters may have junk in them as well

I wouln't use it, but if you decide to do so, make sure you use the same lifters on the same cam lobes in the new engine.

I wouldn't re-use it, either. Go roller; you'll be better off in the long run.

Alright, good advice, i wont use it

Perfect---heat treated and oil quinced---exactly the way to do it

If it comes OUT of the bearings and they aren't melted you will be ok from the fire--of course the cam could be junk from use

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Perfect---heat treated and oil quinced---exactly the way to do it

If it comes OUT of the bearings and they aren't melted you will be ok from the fire--of course the cam could be junk from use

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