I want to buy used cams since I can't really afford brand new ones but my friend who is going to install them when I do get it was telling me how stupid it is to buy them used since they can come messed up and what not. I was planning on any HKS since I don't have to upgrade the valvesprings. What are your opinions or experiences?

 

why would they be mest up...? if it was installed correctly the 1st time, and the same was done taken out...there should be no probs...just check em 1st before you buy them..just make sure theres no marks on the cams journals...basically just look for any erratic-abnormal wear..then you should be all set...

 

Cams don't really wear much... unless they are damaged on removal it shouldn't make any difference that they are used.

 

I've installed a set of used cams. They had much less wear than the 30+k OE set I took out... which still had the cross hatch on the lobes from the original manufacture.

 

I think the original question is based on the horror stories from mixing used cams & lifters from V8's, which was very true, i.e. short run time = missing/worn down cam lobes!!

However, since the use of roller lifters, I havent experienced any problems mixing & using different used cams on used roller lifters. I have a colleague here that worked on cup engines, they swapped cams more often than you or I change socks! They never had problems with swapping cams on roller lifter engines & their spring pressures are magnitudes higher than our springs.

Take it for what its worth.

I would be more concerned to make sure the lobes havent been damaged since the cams were removed from the engine! Nicks, dings on the lobes, etc.

 

the price of new ones are pretty cheap! it all depends on how much your saving