Reuse Cam?
#2752307
03/15/20 07:53 PM
03/15/20 07:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,137
East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
RoadRunner
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,137
East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
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Going through boxes and came across a camshaft. No lifters. Looks used. Can camshafts be reused if new lifters are purchased? Not sure I’d take the risk so may go in scrap pile. Have no idea of exact specs.
68 Road Runner (383/4speed, post car w/decor pkg) - Major Project
69 Road Runner w/472 Hemi & 4 speed.
70 Challenger R/T SE EF8 w/ V9J, U - A32 - Major Project
2023 Ford Mach 1
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Re: Reuse Cam?
[Re: TJP]
#2752375
03/15/20 10:52 PM
03/15/20 10:52 PM
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 259
n.c.
geo.
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 259
n.c.
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As long as it's in good shap, shouldn't be an problem with a new set of lifters. But then again how much is a new cam that you know the spec's on worth ??  I agree, wouldn't use it unless i could ID it with part number or actual lift measurement. Are flat tappet cams too expensive? Bet you could find a deal on a cam and lifter set.
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Re: Reuse Cam?
[Re: 4406bbl]
#2752442
03/16/20 08:33 AM
03/16/20 08:33 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,137
East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
RoadRunner
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,137
East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
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Thanks all. Given I have a couple of new cams on the shelf, no need to keep an unknown entity. Out it goes.
68 Road Runner (383/4speed, post car w/decor pkg) - Major Project
69 Road Runner w/472 Hemi & 4 speed.
70 Challenger R/T SE EF8 w/ V9J, U - A32 - Major Project
2023 Ford Mach 1
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Re: Reuse Cam?
[Re: DAYCLONA]
#2752472
03/16/20 10:10 AM
03/16/20 10:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,095
Valencia, España
NachoRT74
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,095
Valencia, España
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I never have known a problem with an used cam and new lifters. Of course as far the camshaft looks in good conditions. In fact, regular engine rebuild jobs never change the cam for a while they look good
if was wrong to install new lifters on an used cam, they weren't sold separatelly to replace them.
as far the specs... lift is easy. Rest with the degreing wheel
With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
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Re: Reuse Cam?
[Re: Pacnorthcuda]
#2752651
03/16/20 08:22 PM
03/16/20 08:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,807
North Dakota
Azzkikrcuda
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,807
North Dakota
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I have reused cams many times with new lifters or the same lifters if they were still in order with no problems. I have a MP 484 cam and lifters that has been in 4 different motors still running great.
The only Carbs I care about are under the hood!
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Re: Reuse Cam?
[Re: Pacnorthcuda]
#2753353
03/19/20 06:28 AM
03/19/20 06:28 AM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,766
Holland MI Ottawa
2boltmain
master
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master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,766
Holland MI Ottawa
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Its 2020 and the mere mention of a flat tappet cam makes me cringe. thats because of the decreased quality of the cam and lifters resulting in failures. the proper fix makes me cringe too. Roller cam conversion. $$$ But the failures are across all brands of engines and cannot be blamed on improper break in. Many guys who do it correct and they were met with a big fat failure due to crappy quality. Tony Defeo made a video recently ranting about his failure. He said no more flat tappets. If a guy who is a pro for doing things on the cheap has sworn off flat tappet cams and going roller then its a real problem.
Keep old mopars alive.
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Re: Reuse Cam?
[Re: 2boltmain]
#2753429
03/19/20 11:59 AM
03/19/20 11:59 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
4406bbl
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
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Its 2020 and the mere mention of a flat tappet cam makes me cringe. thats because of the decreased quality of the cam and lifters resulting in failures. the proper fix makes me cringe too. Roller cam conversion. $$$ But the failures are across all brands of engines and cannot be blamed on improper break in. Many guys who do it correct and they were met with a big fat failure due to crappy quality. Tony Defeo made a video recently ranting about his failure. He said no more flat tappets. If a guy who is a pro for doing things on the cheap has sworn off flat tappet cams and going roller then its a real problem. He is not alone, many people that do restorations will only use rollers, if not it is on the owners dime when the cam fails, not the shop eats the repair. A used 30-40 year old cam that looks good, and will spin all the lifters when turned by hand, might be better than new. I agree on break in, in the 70s we threw cams in everything, never went flat, now we are to dumb and are breaking it in wrong even with break in oil, I think the new parts are junk, and would worry more about the new lifters than a cam that can spin them.
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Re: Reuse Cam?
[Re: 4406bbl]
#2753444
03/19/20 12:43 PM
03/19/20 12:43 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 855
ontario canada kingston
aspenrt360
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 855
ontario canada kingston
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I have used old cams many times. i always check my lifter bores for wear and lifter rotation first, i also hone the bores for a little crosshatch and to deburr if i feel i need to. i use good lifters and proper lube and make sure my engine fires instantly after prelube to do my break in. i have never lost a cam so far, now that may change, but if you make sure you have your spring pressures right and do all the steps you need too it really should be no issue.
2013 Chrysler 300 touring 1974 Dodge Charger SE. 360-727-8.75-3.23 sure grip 1972 Dodge Dart Swinger 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4
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