How do they regrind cams?

[Chris142]

I'm going to replace the cam in my 392 International. I can get a new cam for $105 or a reground cam for $39.99.

Is a regind as good as a new cam?

When they regrind a cam does it lose some of it's lift?

Also. New lifters are $7 each at Napa and $18each at Pepboys.

Any reason not to use the Cheaper Napa ones? The PB ones are made by Johnson, Napa can't tell me who makes their lifters.

 

[TooManyWheels]

They regrind it so the base circle is smaller, that way no lift is lost, in fact, it can even be gained, if they grind off more there than from the other side. The main thing to worry about is whether it has been rehardened to the original spec.

As far as lifters, the last I heard there were only a few manufacturers - not sure of the exact number, but no more than a handful.

 

[Pablo]

Indeed find out how they will heat treat it.

 

[Chris142]

I doubt that the clowns could tell me if they are heat treated correctly or not after regrinding.

I assume that a new cam would be properly heat treated?

 

[XS650]

Assume is a dangerous word, but if it's from a reputable company, a new cam should be.

Check the forums for people that might use the cam grinder in question and see what his record is. Or just Google the grinders name.

I don't want to sound cavalier about money in this economy, but the $45.01 extra for the new cam seems like money well spent when you consider the total cost, lifters, gaskets and your sweat equity.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: XS650
Assume is a dangerous word, but if it's from a reputable company, a new cam should be.

Ya when I originally built the engine I sent the specs I wanted to a reputable cam manufacturer. I ASSUMED that they knew that the engine comes stock with 1.7 ratio rockers but they ground a cam for 1.5 ratio rockers so it has much more lift and duration than I wanted and it a gutless wonder.

I'm going to go back to a stock cam but I don't want to get back in the same boat with a cam thats ground wrong.

If it was a 302 Ford or 350 Chevy then I wouldn't have any trouble, but it's a 392 IHC and not too many people are familiar with those.

 

[Audi Junkie]

You can add material by welding and grind that partially off for a more aggressive profile.

 

[mechtech2]

1.7 rockers give more lift and duration than 1.5 rockers with the same cam.
A quality reground cam is usually not cheap.
To keep the valvetrain in alignment, get a new stock type, from a reputable company.

 

[lazaro]

Johnson is a respectable lifter company buy those.
regrind can cause you a engine full of metal.
when you use a regrind you beter have a fully adjustable
valvetrain or you wont have the proper geometry.
stick with the new cam save more than $65