What should I do with my old camshaft?

Chris-Nelson · Post by **Chris-Nelson** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:25 pm

I installed a new 272 cam for my OHV 3.4L and I don't know what to do with the old one... I don't know how to tell if it is OEM or an upgraded aftermarket piece.

The previous owner claimed that it was put in about 15,000 miles ago when the engine swap was done and that it was an upgraded performance camshaft but he had no knowledge of what cam it was supposed to be.

Should I just throw it away, donate it to science, or try to figure what it is and sell it?

If my 272 breaks I'm not going to put it back in. I'd need to buy another used one so I know what I'm actually working with, but maybe someone else could use a better-than-stock cam.

What do you think?

Series8217 · Post by **Series8217** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:37 pm

I dont think anyone is going to buy a used flat tappet camshaft. Maayybeee if you marked the lifters for which lobe they go on, and they're in good shape....
I would just stick it in the back of the garage with the rest of your old parts

Chris-Nelson · Post by **Chris-Nelson** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:40 pm

i don't like holding on to old junk if that's what it is...

I'll just bring it to my dad's shop and toss it in the scrap metal pile...

Series8217 · Post by **Series8217** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:42 pm

I don't like to either, but every time I throw something away I need it two weeks later for something weird.

Chris-Nelson · Post by **Chris-Nelson** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:43 pm

hahaha that's a good point...

Shaun41178(2) · Post by **Shaun41178(2)** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:48 pm

you won't need that thing. take it to your dads shop. Its nothing but scrap metal now. Since you don't know the specs then its really worthless.

There isn't any sort of grind number or anything on the front of the cam to tell you what it is?

The Dark Side of Will · Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:12 pm

Mic the lobes and figure out the valve lift. That ought to ball-park it for you.

whipped · Post by **whipped** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:30 pm

Use it as a baseball bat!

Blue Shift · Post by **Blue Shift** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 4:56 pm

Beat cats and dogs with it.

Chris-Nelson · Post by **Chris-Nelson** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:02 pm

hahaha

all very good suggestions.

whipped · Post by **whipped** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:51 pm

Or, drag it behind your car and throw off sparks like all the low riders do

Chris-Nelson · Post by **Chris-Nelson** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:06 pm

hahaha

weld it on to the engine cradle and let 'er buck.

I'm gonna toss it.

p8ntman442 · Post by **p8ntman442** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 8:57 pm

honestly put it on .nl as a 4-7 swap cam for v6's. List it for $15.

Honest Don · Post by **Honest Don** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:31 am

make it into a lamp