Several years ago a machinist I knew (actually worked for NAPA) had one of the Cam Doctors. It was pretty awesome, but a bit fussy as well and it took a good bit of time to get setup and he always measured each cam twice. Well, at his rate ($50 per hour then - would be more today) one did not have to be a rocket scientist to realize that it was almost always cheaper to just get a new one. He had a fondness for the Isky roller cams and could put a sweet deal together for not much more than fussing with a "used" cam.

I've built a lot of SBC and installed cams/lifters from GM (hydraulic Z28 type. Still $200+/- w/lifters if you can get the parts guys to be creative!) as well as cams and lifter kits from Crane, Lunati and the Iskys too. while I have not used one, I see Summit has a camshaft kit w/lifters for under $100!

They all make some good units if one remembers to keep the entire build in mind so as not to end up with a sloppy beast that belches raw gas and runs like a three legged pig. When the need for that high RPM jolt is there by all means go big, but for most streeters I still like to have a smooth idle and good performance from idle to about 5500. Just my two cents..

Regards All,
Glenn