Quote:
Originally Posted by earntaz
Have heard that Comp Cams is producing roller cam from cast blanks -- these do not require special distributor gear, etc. Can anyone provide any feedback? Thanks in advance -- TAZ  |
I've been told from numerous manufacturers (Lunati, Crane, Crower Etc.) that the bulk of the US camshaft cores come from one or two manufacturers up in the Michigan area including
CMC who make both cast and billet stock cores for the high performance and OEM markets including Ford, Chrysler and GM.
Cores are made from 5150, 1050, and 8660 tool steel which is what most use for high performance markets. They simply finish off the final grinds for performance use with their own grind patterns. While most Solid Roller grinds are finish cut on billet steel cores, Hydraulic Roller grinds are normally cut on Cast Cores because they are not anywhere near as aggressive on the spring rates and won't burn through the hardened surfaces. In fact I am pretty sure most of the Hyd Rollers out there today are now made on hardened Cast Cores unless you custom order a grind cut on Billet stock.
In either case, you can specify a billet cam gear, cast gear, or CMC's Everwear gears for use on any application.
Here's a good read noting some common issues found with distributor gears and camshaft stock, and the measures they have taken to resolve material issues when running billet cores and various distributor gears. Myself, I'm about to run a Hydraulic Roller grind I recently ordered from Crower for one of my street motors, and it's finished on a cast core with a cast gear. I'm not sure if Comp Cams runs the CMC stock, but have been told that "most" aftermarket cam manufacturers do.