soon (in the next year or so) i will have everything done to my truck.....or so i thought..... what are your guys opinion on cams???? and does any one run one in there first gen? if so did it do any good, how much and where can you get on. i'v seen 2nd gens an 24v with cams an they seem to run a good bit better then the other cummins around.

 

paging BC847... paging... BC847




I know he is running a cam and LOVES IT!!!

 

Not too long ago, most would suggest you save the cam swap mess for last in the hunt for more power. Many of the Big-Dawgs ran stock/OEM cams only up till recently. All that is changing as we speak with new cam makers bringing their goods to market.

- The typical improvements reported by most are: EGTs going down 100 ~ 200*F, earlier initial turbo spool-up, reduced smoke and broader HP & Torque curves.

- Those made from new blanks, both cast and billet are available as well as those made by "Re-grinding" stock/OEM shafts. While a re-grind will work for milder applications, there's concern about the induction hardened iron being ground away exposing the softer interior iron pending what's being changed about the original. There are a number of reground stock/OEM cam users who swear they'll never do that again (catastrophic failure). Do your homework.

- As with anything, a cam for the Cummins can be ground from mild to wild. Leaning toward the wild side will entail cutting relief pockets in the pistons for valve clearance.

- As far as cost goes, I've seen anywhere from $500 on up (using a new blank). Those regrinding stock cams usually require you to send in your stock cam for reworking.

- To date, most of those who make a cam for our mess have been VERY tight-lipped about any specifications. To the best of my knowledge, Zach Hamilton of Hamilton Cams has been the only one who has been upfront and open about what his product is. I would start there.


In my application, I had recently installed some Schied 6x.016" EDM injectors and changing nothing else, I was substantially over fueled. I had to get more air into the engine to make good use of the extra fuel. With that, I added a big-honkin custom built IC and the Hamilton cam. The results were IIRC about .25 seconds being trimmed from my ET at the track. Well worth it IMO.


Stock/OEM (left), Hamilton 181/210 (right)

 

Thanks David... Now I want a cam...

 

i've been looking at the "big stick" cam when i tear the front of the truck down for a new radiator and with all that extra room i was going to fix the KDP and throw a cam in the old girl. figured by then i'll have the turbo and exh taken care of. after that it'll be all drive train mods. but thanks for the insight on the re-ground cams... it didnt sound right to me

 

so in your opinion would it be worth getting a regrinde? or just go with a new blank cam ground to someones specs. i want power and a cam ( at least in gassers) can really get you up there

 

I went with a new blank as it also allowed me to run with a cam gear retainer bolt.

 

if i may ask what did you spend on it??

 

just found this sight Pure Cummins Diesel Performance - Cummins 5.9L Camshafts
what yall think, big stick?

 

I run the Billet* Stage 3 - H.D. "Big Stick" with 24v lifters purchased directly from Zach.