For some reason I haven't seen a whole lot of CTD's with aftermarket cams. I used one from the marine engine because one I found it cheap, and two I really didn't know of any companies making cams for these engines. One difference I've noticed in mine and other's trucks without the cam but similiar mods is that my turbo lag is outrageous. If you learn how to drive it it works alright, but a quick left turn across traffic takes some finess you have to adjust for the engine to "catch" and it ussually leaves the intersection in a cloud of black smoke. Once the engine catches, it's over, boost is instantly at 38+ pounds, and it moves like a freight train, the power keeps coming. I've thought about switching to a hx35/40 hybrid to eliminate a little bit of the lag, and I'm in the process of figuring out the fuel plate (not sure what I have). But in general, what kind of difference do the aftermarket cams make? What options are there, worth the cost, and where can you get them? Any inputs are appriciated, just another thought of mine, i'm sure you all are learning that those can be scary at times

 

F1 Diesel (DonM), Piers Diesel Research and Diesel Dynamics all make performance cams. There's probably more, I just don't remember.

I'm running the DD Cam. It's a hardened version of the 370 marine cam and uses a retaining bolt to prevent the cam from walking off the gear. I dunno the grind, but it seems to do ok in mine. It seems like it flows better than any PDR. I really wish I had back to back dyno's, but it wasn't possible in my case.

brandon.
(The vendors are mentioned in a specific order for a reason )

 

I'm at 745hp uncorrected on #2 only and a stock cam..............no one that I have ever heard of has dynoed any two different aftermarket cams back to back to see a gain or loss in power between the two.

Jim

 

Maximum or top HP numbers will not increase with the addition of a cam. Lower rpm power will. Driveability and EGT control are much better/improved.

Its a worthwhile addition IMO.

Don~

 

I agree with Don. I was told that with this PDR cam in my motor that it isn't giving me any more torque & horsepower per say, but using it more effieciently and for a longer period. So, I can feel that motor getting up and going a lot sooner and seeing on the dyno paper, it shows were it will stay up in that Torque & Horsepower range for a longer period of time.

Works for me.

 

Maximum or top HP numbers will not increase with the addition of a cam. Lower rpm power will. Driveability and EGT control are much better/improved.

Agreed here......one of these days I'll get one and see for myself I guess, you guys are past me in this department and I'm still playing catchup.

Jim

 

Is there a need for an aftermarket camshaft if you are only running under 400hp? The main reason I was looking at them is because I seen better fuel mileage and lower egts. Thats about it. Also how hard is it to install one on our engines, is it basically the same as installing one on a gasser?
Thanks

-Jared

 

Cams are great but it's a subtle change, and a lot of $$. There's not much bang/buck here.

It's worthwhile, like Don said, but I'd say you should wait until you get to the point where driveability suffers before you consider this an option.

At 400hp, you probably are better off with the stock cam.

From what I gather, cam swaps on the CTD are pretty straightforward, just a lot of teardown and work.

Justin

 

It's pretty straight forward as far as the install. There's a reason that Cummins charges 16 hours of labor for a cam swap - it takes as long or longer. I've got photos of my swap here: http://www.firepunk.com/gallery/Twins

You probably won't need the tool kit from Cummins. I made or had all the special tools required.

brandon.