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Used cam...how to pick the best?

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4gfun

Supporting VIP
2,009
55
Dec 10, 2007
Ask Me, Virginia
I know that there were some variations throughout the years and I am familiar with those.

However, say you have cams that were the same spec from the factory. Given that they both look fine externally, which cam would you consider to be less or more worn?

Would you consider the lobes or journals being closest to the factory spec most important? Would you average everything together?

Thanks.
 
If you're taking stock cams, look for ones that have as little wear or markings on the journals, and also clearances come back good, and then make sure the lobes are as clean and even as possible. As few lines/scoring as can be and no wierd flat spots or uneven wear.

Rockers are the more important thing here TBH, making sure they are clean, rollers are free spinning and smooth, and the oiling pinholes are clean/clear.
 
If you're taking stock cams, look for ones that have as little wear or markings on the journals, and also clearances come back good, and then make sure the lobes are as clean and even as possible. As few lines/scoring as can be and no wierd flat spots or uneven wear.

Rockers are the more important thing here TBH, making sure they are clean, rollers are free spinning and smooth, and the oiling pinholes are clean/clear.
+1

Everything here is on point, especially about the rocker arms. Make sure the faces that touch the valves are smooth and not pitted also.

Cams usually don't wear on a roller setup and if they do, you'll notice a saddle being cut in where the rollers ride.
 
Point taken for DSM engines. How about on tappet buckets used in my Focus SVT? I am also facing this question on that too. If you all don't know it's ok but that community is so dead. Apples and Oranges really but was wondering which set to grab. Adjusting lash is such a pain. Wish they used HLAs on that setup. Assuming that one set is more likely to be worn than another in a bucket situation? Glad you brought that up.
 
Use a digital caliper or micrometer and measure the MAX lift on the lobes and compair the pair. The ones with the most lift are the ones I would use. :)
 
So you would just average the lift of all the lobes and take the cam with the highest average or would you grab the cam that has a lobe with the highest lift?

I'd say average no?

Thanks.
 
Well average if you really think that there might have been an oiling problem or something to wear on a roller system cam. Check a few lobes (intake say 3, same for exhaust) and see if they differ by any tolerance variation. If not then pick the cam set with the biggest lift for best performance.
I can measure my 13b cams and 14b cams and know the difference. The 13s being smaller 1g auto cams. Just some ways to check and test before install.
I write EVERYTHING down. I have spec sheets somewhere on here that are for heads so get a paper and write down what your readings are so you can do it right. :)
If you would feel better (like me, OCD) write them ALL down and know exactly what you have.
 
For bucket and shim styles @1990TSIAWDTALON is correct on measuring the shims with a micrometer, and measure the cams for Max lift, pick the higher lift set.
You shouldnt be seeing massive differences in lift between cam lobes, and if you are, get a different set of cams. Anything more than .0005" I'd say it a bit too much variance.

And Marty, I think you meant 13g cams :D 13b's don't have cams!! :p
 
Yes I did, that is how familiar I am with those little hairdryers. Thanks Henry! Poor little cams and exhaust and injectors and turbo, but things are about to change........:cool:
 
Lol, funny. I grabbed the best. I started off OCD about it but then it turned into ADHD by the 16th lobe. ROFL

Thanks for the thoughts,
 
Is there a max lift u can use on a stock head? My car came with a set of race cams but not sure of there specs yet
 
It's not really a problem with the head Steve, it's just that the valves won't play nice with the pistons if the cams are enormous and the pistons aren't fly cut at the valve reliefs. My son is running a 12.5mm lift set of cams on a stock block and head and that is a pretty big lift. I don't think you will run into any problems. Would be nice to know what cams. If you ever have the valve cover off, look at the cams. Some have printing on them by an engraver on the flange at the front (timing side) of the cams. See if you can read anything on them if you are ever inside there.
 
Sorry it took awhile but here are the engraving markings on my spare cams. Can u give more info if possible?
 

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