Is a cam worth it?

[dpuckett]

I have to remove my cam to replace the timing cover gasket sometime this summer/ fall. I have been told that the nonIC cams had a better profile than the latter, intercooled cams. So, my question is, would it be worth my trouble to try to find a good nonIC cam to put back in my pickup? I'm not wanting to get too expensive here, but I see used take-out cams advertized for cheap from time to time. Would it be worth it to buy one and stick it back in my engine? Or would the gains not be worth the effort?

Dan

[peobryant]

I personally wouldn't go with a Non I/C cam. I would have a custom ground cam if I were ever going to put one in my truck.

I have never heard of anyone doing this, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work. I'd have a talk with Brian before I made up my mind.

[dpuckett]

If I wasnt pulling the cam to replace the cracked, leaking gear housing, I'd leave it all alone til the bills and student loans are paid off, but since I'm giong in there anyway....... If Brian doesnt see this this week, I may PM him.

DP

[Begle1]

I believe that Brian has said that his truck still has the stock cam.

Cam's do a lot for streetability and cleanliness; peak numbers may not change much but the power gets more usable.

Not many people regret cams, but they're not necessary for big numbers. And they can arguably sometimes cause valvetrain problems too.

[SOOT4BRAINS]

I have a helix 2 in my truck. Had the whole front end apart and doing the kdp, figured why not.... lost some low end smoke, and it comes on faster. Top end pulls through 3k, old one felt like it tapered off a little in comparison. I have 190's and never see over 1300 with pump maxed out. Worth it if you're going to be making power. My cruising temps went down about 100 degrees as well. I cruise at 65-70 on the freeway and only see 550 on the pyro (Phoenix, AZ summer too). Normal is 1200 max, only time I saw 1300 was on a 8% hill at full throttle 60 to 90 mph. A little smoother running. Sounds a little throatier. Plus it will help a lot when I get some sticks and get the twins together.

[crewcabxlt]

if you want to keep it cheap, the non i/c cam is a great way to go.

[Richie O]

Why does a cam swap not do a whole lot in a diesel? As everybody knows a cam in a gasser can add lots of power. I am just wondering why.

[PToombs]

Because in a gasser air is fuel also. More duration on a cam means more fuel. In a diesel you're only getting air.
From what I've read, the cam helps lower end and spoolup alot, and hardly anything in the mid to high rpm range. And this is with the big dollar Helix and other hi-perf cams.

[Begle1]

Why does a cam swap not do a whole lot in a diesel? As everybody knows a cam in a gasser can add lots of power. I am just wondering why.

Because we run obscene amounts of boost; that's why we see relatively little peak-power benefit from cams, porting, free-flow intakes or exhaust.

[Richie O]

Makes sense, Thanks.

[fergavs]

I also vote a cam as being an awsome worth while update. My experience was similar to SOOT4BRAINS listed above. No question it was worth the money.