I just got an offer for a used, very good condition Hotcam for $100. Just the cam. Is this a good deal or should I say no?

Also, I've got 130K on the clock, but there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with the engine. Should I be ok doing a cam change, or should I NOT do it and wait for a rebuild? I mean, it is a pretty mild cam.

Thanks in advance,
Kyle

Also, this is going to be run on stock heads.

 

Go for it...that's about the going price on a used Hotcam...

From what I hear, the Hotcam runs great on stock heads....

 

Cams really dont go bad persay. If it looks to be in good shape go for it.

 

I got 132k on mine, HOTcam and ported heads. Runs really good. You can get a HOTcam by itself new for $160, so I say $100 is a decent deal. Don't forget some 1.6 roller rockers, upgraded valvesprings and a new timing chain.

 

If I wanted to do the cheapest cam swap I could do (I'm not all worried about making HUGE power) what would the price be around?? Keep in mind I can get a Hotcam for $100. I can buy used parts too if need be (rockers, lifters, etc.)

I'm thinking about doing this just to see what I can get out of it for the cheapest! So I'd need:

Cam, rockers, lifters, springs(have to?), timing chain. Would I HAVE to have tuning? Or will the hotcam run decent with stock computer?

Thanks for the help guys,
Kyle

 

If thats the cam u want go for it ...it you want something a bit more aggresive it wont cost you a whole lot more

 

You have to get springs and rockers.
You can reuse your stock lifters if you want, although at that mileage, might as well get some new ones. (or I can sell you mine with 40K miles on them)
You can get a stock replacement timing chain and yes, I would recommend replacing it and also the sprockets. (I also have the chain and sprockets out of the same engine)

Without any tuning it may run OK, especially if you have a 6 speed. Not with an auto though. To get the best results and driveability, I'd definetely recommend it.

 

I would not run used springs unless you could find the entire kit with VERY LOW miles.
I thin you would be ok with the cam,lifters and rockers used.
You can take the cam to a machine shop and have them check it out before you install it.
I wouldn't use a used timing chain or springs but if they had low miles I guess you could if you want the cheapest

 

Not to hijack this thread, but to help out and also ask a question.

Why would you have to run new rockers w/ a cam swap? I know the hotcam is rated w/ 1.6s and 1.6s would be nice. But for a low budget swap i don't see why you would have to get new rockers...

 

Thats a good price. All you'll need is some springs and retainers. Reuse the lifters. I'd get some 1.6's for sure though.

 

I would think the hot cam wouldn't be worth it without the 1.6 roller rockers

 

If you want to go with the hotcam and you know you'll need all the other parts to go with it you should just pick up a whole hotcam kit used. I see them in the for sale section often, you could get a whole kit used for $350 or less. That would be your best bet. And at 130K I would definitely recomend at least a new stock timing set. At 57K my stock chain was a mess, tons of slack, I was really shocked.

 

I wouldn't buy a used cam unless I was going to have it checked and polished. So if you can get one at a decent price and figure an extra $50.00 for checking and polishing, I personally, would opt for a new one.

If the cam is knicked or the integrity is otherwise compromised, you might wind up with a much larger bill in the long/short run.JMHO

 

Ok, first off, if I do this I plan on getting 1.6 rockers. The hotcam is already mild enough with those, 1.5's probably wouldn't help much.

So what you guys are saying is that the used cam is somewhat of a turnoff? This guy is a friend of my best friend and he's taking his camaro in a different direction. He's a mechanic at a GM dealership so I figure if anyhing it should be in great shape.

So ok, I'm looking at 100 for the cam, how much would a set of GOOD, used rockers cost me? Then the timing set shouldn't be too much, then lifters aren't too bad (I think i've got a bad one anyways), and last, but definately not least, how much would a decent set of springs set me back?

Thanks for all the help guys, appreciate it.

Kyle