Topper

Well like the title states I'm pullin the engine on my dually. I knew I had a blown head gasket. Well #4 exhaust valve seal went into the cylinder and ruined the piston and scratched up the cylinder wall a little. I was going to hone the cylinder and put on a new head and piston but decided to go ahead and pull the engine and do a complete rebuild. Now my question is what cam do I use? I have a good friend that sells Hamelton cams but I don't know anything about them. Any Good? I am ordering a new head from cummins and was wondering should I go with the stock springs or do I go with after market springs? I could use some help on what cam lift and duration I should look for. The truck is a daily driver and heavy hauler about 1200 miles a week.
Thanks guys,
Topper

mitternocht

Sounds like a project. Too bad she let go…assume you got some miles on her? Al least you can build it up right…....now the wife will be jealous.

nvr-enuf

I have heard of the PDR or PRD cam, some say it really keeps the oil clean due to limited EGR. I have also heard of a helix cam but I think that is meant for sled pulling not really for daily driving / towing. Just my 2 cents

Spooler

Go Helix II and get the F1 valve springs to go with it. Before you install the new head, get the soft plugs tapped and put threaded plugs in them like is on the the outside of the valve cover on top of the head. If you pop one of the plugs under the valve cover you will be rebuilding again....

Topper

He guys,
Just turned 120 thou. Not the Cummins fault I've been hitten 60lbs of boost for probably 60,000 miles pullin and hauling VERY heavy loads! I have run the truck hard every day so it was just a matter of time. I will be installing ARPs this time. Oh and by the way MAMA isn't jealous she is hot! Not about the truck, she's hot cause I had to take her truck out of storage. We're getting about a ft of snow tonight!

Topper

Topper

Need some input on cam selection!!! Anybody got some ideas for a DD?

blackdieselram

i have heard nothing but good things about hamilton cams. thats who im going to get my cam from when the time comes and a set of there springs to go with it. they have a package deal if you get a cam, springs and pushrods. give them a call and he will let you know what cam will work best for you.

Topper

Thanks

soulezoo

Good results can be had from what I refer to as the 4 major sources:

Hamilton, F1, Maxxspool, dieselpros all have a good product. Use their advice when selecting springs and etc. to go with the cam you choose.

BigErksG2

I'd go with Hamilton.

KelschKid

Over at CumminsForum they have a lot of cam discussions and posts. You might wanna hop over there and see what you can learn.

One thing that I've noticed everyone says is to stick to the springs of whoever you get the cam from and to follow that particular manufacturers advice. Don't put F1 springs with a Hamilton cam etc.

enafzige

Agree...I've got a Helix 2 with the Sportsman springs, and it's great for daily driving. I've not had personal experience with the others, but I hear great things as well.

For a truck with alot of miles that won't usually turn 4,000+ rpm, you MAY be better off with a little less aggressive valvespring such as the sportsman. Rocker trunion wear is a problem, and heavier valvesprings only add to that. The hamilton's are heavier (110 lb?) than the sportsmans, but may not be what's best for you for heavy haulin.

Whatever you go with, dose it good with some ZDDP for the first oil change or too.

--Eric

Topper

Hey guys,
I just got off the phone with Hamelton Cams and the guy I talked to said that he was out of cams for a few weeks and that won't work for me. He said that I should have my cam reground by the guy that does all of their cams. Does anyone run a reground cam??? He said that they would put the same grind on as they use in their cam and it would be a little less money...
Does this make any sense?
Thanks ,
Topper

soulezoo

Yes that can be done... "regrinds" was pretty much all you could get for a while.

Spooler

I wouldn't go with a regrind at all. Get a new one and be done with it. Too many horror stories with regrinds.