Camshaft Buying Guide — Cheap OEM Replacement Parts for Sale | REVXSC
Looking for cheap camshafts that won't fail in 6 months? Whether you're chasing best performance camshaft for ford 5.0, stock replacement camshaft ford bronco, hydraulic roller cam vs flat tappet, how to break in a new camshaft, comp cams xtreme energy ford v8, this guide covers what to buy, what to skip, and how to make sure the part you order actually fits your truck or car. Every camshaft sold at REVXSC ships with a verified year/make/model/engine fitment table — no guessing.
What camshafts actually do
In one sentence: the rotating shaft with precision-ground lobes that opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves at the correct timing. When they wear out, you'll typically feel it before you see it — your car starts telling you something is wrong, and ignoring it gets expensive.
Signs you need new camshafts
- loss of power and rough idle
- ticking or tapping noise from the valvetrain
- engine misfire codes (P0300 series)
- visibly worn or scored cam lobes
- metal flakes in the oil pan
If you tick more than one box, replace before it leaves you on the side of the road. The repair gets a lot cheaper when you catch it early.
Also known as
Depending on the shop manual, region, or supplier you're reading, camshafts are also called: cam, performance cam, engine cam, cam shaft, cam stick, bumpstick. They all refer to the same component — when you're cross-referencing OEM and aftermarket part numbers, watch for these naming variations so you don't double-order the same item.
How much should you pay?
Online direct-ship from REVXSC undercuts dealer parts counters significantly. We carry quality replacement camshafts from Melling, Comp Cams, Lunati, Crane Cams, Edelbrock, Crower, Howards Cams, ACDelco — every listing shows the price, the fitment chart, and real product photos. No mystery part numbers.
Featured camshafts in stock right now
OEM vs aftermarket: which to choose
For camshafts, the brand actually matters. Melling and Comp Cams supply major automakers as OEM suppliers — when you buy their boxed retail product, you're getting the same engineering and tolerances. Choose between stock-grind replacement cams, mild RV cams for low-end torque, high-lift performance grinds for horsepower, or hydraulic roller cams for modern applications..
Install: DIY or shop?
Difficulty: advanced. Bay time runs about 360–720 minutes with the right tools. Lifespan you should expect: 150,000-250,000 miles.
How REVXSC keeps prices low
Every listing includes a year/make/model/engine table.
ACDelco, Bosch, Dorman, Dayco, FEL-PRO and more.
Ships from US warehouses with real tracking.
No knockoff boxes, no rebranded junk.
Camshaft shipping to every US state
REVXSC ships camshafts same-day from US fulfillment to every state. Whether you're chasing salt-corroded camshafts in the Midwest, heat-fatigued parts in the Southwest, or just need a fast OEM-grade replacement, every order ships from the US with tracking. We deliver to:
Common questions Americans ask about camshafts
How much does a camshaft cost?
Stock replacement cams from Melling or ACDelco run $80 to $200. Performance grinds from Comp Cams, Lunati, or Crane Cams cost $250 to $600. Complete cam kits with lifters, springs, and timing components range from $500 to $1,200.
How long does it take to replace a camshaft?
Overhead-valve V8 cam swaps take 6 to 10 hours for an experienced DIYer working in a home garage. Overhead-cam engines often require timing belt or chain removal and can take 10 to 16 hours. Shop labor typically runs $800 to $1,800.
What are signs of a bad camshaft?
Common symptoms include ticking from the top of the engine, misfires with no spark or fuel cause, loss of power and rough idle, and metal shavings in the oil. Worn lobes are visible on inspection; the lobe profile becomes rounded or scored.
Do I need new lifters with a new camshaft?
Always install new lifters with a new flat-tappet camshaft. Reusing old lifters on a new cam will wipe the lobes within hours. Roller camshafts can sometimes reuse roller lifters if they show no wear, but new lifters are still the safest choice.
How long does a camshaft last?
A properly maintained stock camshaft typically lasts 150,000 to 250,000 miles. Poor oil quality, missed oil changes, or improper break-in can drastically shorten that, especially on flat-tappet cams. Modern roller cams routinely outlive the rest of the engine.
What is the difference between a flat tappet and roller camshaft?
Flat-tappet cams slide a mushroom-shaped lifter against the lobe and require zinc-rich (ZDDP) oil. Roller cams use a rolling wheel on the lifter, which reduces friction, allows more aggressive grinds, and works with modern low-zinc oils. Roller is standard on most engines built after 1985.
How do you break in a new camshaft?
After startup, hold engine speed between 2,000 and 2,500 RPM for 20 to 30 minutes without letting it idle. Use high-zinc break-in oil and prime the oil system before first start. Change oil and filter immediately after break-in.
Will a performance cam pass emissions?
Mild performance cams with CARB E.O. numbers are smog-legal in all 50 states. Aggressive cams with significant overlap can cause emissions testing failures by altering exhaust composition and increasing idle CO. Always check CARB compliance before installing on a registered street vehicle.
How much horsepower does a performance camshaft add?
On a stock small-block V8, a quality cam swap typically adds 20 to 50 horsepower across the powerband. Paired with matched springs, headers, and a tune, gains can reach 75 to 100 horsepower. Results vary widely by engine, supporting mods, and dyno conditions.
Top US searches for camshafts
Most-searched phrases from American shoppers comparing camshafts this year — all of these are served by what REVXSC stocks:
This guide is updated as our camshaft inventory and fitment data change. Last reviewed 2026-06-28.