Engine Mechanical
Camshaft
A camshaft opens and closes the engine's intake and exhaust valves in time with the pistons. We list 33 camshafts from $78 to $546 for 1991-2023 vehicles. Melling and AC Delco lead, and Chevrolet models such as the Tahoe, S10 and Silverado 1500 have the most listings, with options for the Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Accord.
Shop camshaft by vehicle
Signs of camshaft wear
Each lobe on the camshaft pushes a lifter or follower to open a valve. If a lobe wears flat, that valve no longer opens fully.
Signs include a ticking or tapping noise that rises with engine speed, a misfire on one cylinder that does not clear with new plugs or coils, low power and metal particles in the oil. A compression or leak down test, and checking valve lift with the valve cover off, help confirm a worn lobe. Low oil or the wrong oil can speed up cam wear.
Cam type and lifters
Cam and lifter types must match. Our listings include hydraulic roller, hydraulic flat tappet and overhead cam flat tappet designs. Some listings give lift and duration figures, such as 212 and 218 degrees at .050 inch lift, which matter if you are matching a factory profile or choosing a mild upgrade.
Overhead cam engines often have separate intake and exhaust camshafts, and V engines may have left and right cams. Pick the exact position.
Fitment and install
Read the fitment table for engine code and displacement, and compare the casting or part number on the old cam. A wrong cam may not fit the timing gear or sensor reluctor.
A new flat tappet cam must go in with new lifters and assembly lube, and it usually needs a break in procedure. Roller cams can often reuse lifters in good condition. Follow the cam maker's instructions and set timing exactly to the marks.
Camshaft questions
Do I need new lifters with a new camshaft?
For a flat tappet cam, yes. Old lifters are worn to the old lobes and can ruin a new cam. Roller lifters in good shape can sometimes be reused.
What does a worn camshaft sound like?
Often a ticking or tapping from the top of the engine that speeds up with RPM. A misfire on one cylinder can come with it.
Do new camshafts need break in?
Flat tappet cams usually need a break in run at moderate RPM with the right oil. Follow the instructions included with your cam.