Camshaft upgrades anyone?

[CRiggan]

Was talking to NGM diesel tonight about upgrading my stock cam to a more sought after camshaft.



Who has camshaft knowledge and has one in an 05 ram? How does this cam help with spool up and power? Any likes or dislikes?



thanks,

jason

 

[CRiggan]

CAM SHAFT, Wanting more power and torque. Who has used what? What name brand do you prefer?

 

[jwilliams3]

I like my Helix 2 from F1 Diesel. Also get some new valve springs.....



What was NGM's advice?

 

[lmills]

helix 2 all the way.

 

[RobertP]

my advice was similar to yours.

 

[lmills]

The camshaft was a big improvement on my truck. The 600 motors use a very retarded (no pun intended) cam design. I have also seen some 555 motors that did not see near as much increase with the same cam change I did.



Good side



Increased fuel milage in the upper RPM band. ( it used to be if I cruised above 65 MPH my fuel milage dropped off fast from 19. 5 down to 17. 5 MPG. Now I can cruise at 75 MPH and still get around 20 MPG)



Broader TQ band. Power comes on quicker and holds on longer



Faster spool up.



Truck burns cleaner and cooler. Between the cam, Smarty and Don M injectors, my EGT's seldom ever cross 1150 degrees. And that is running on level #9



Bad Side



Initial cost to do it.



Labor cost if you do not do it yourself.



other than that, I can think of no other reason why I would not do one. It was one of my best mods.

 

[RobertP]

The camshaft was a big improvement on my truck. The 600 motors use a very retarded (no pun intended) cam design. I have also seen some 555 motors that did not see near as much increase with the same cam change I did.



Good side



Increased fuel milage in the upper RPM band. ( it used to be if I cruised above 65 MPH my fuel milage dropped off fast from 19. 5 down to 17. 5 MPG. Now I can cruise at 75 MPH and still get around 20 MPG)



Broader TQ band. Power comes on quicker and holds on longer



Faster spool up.



Truck burns cleaner and cooler. Between the cam, Smarty and Don M injectors, my EGT's seldom ever cross 1150 degrees. And that is running on level #9



Bad Side



Initial cost to do it.



Labor cost if you do not do it yourself.



other than that, I can think of no other reason why I would not do one. It was one of my best mods.

well said lloyd

 

[CRiggan]

Seems like I need a trip to Maryland. Got to get those $$$ in line now.

Hint Hint...

 

[lmills]

Seems like I need a trip to Maryland. Got to get those $$$ in line now.

Hint Hint...

Sounds like someone is about to go under the blade LOL

 

[bmoeller]

Latest TDR mag(#54) had a nice write up on a 3rd gen PDR cam.

 

[CRiggan]

Unfortunately , I missed issue 54, it should be on its way being I just paid my subscription.

 

[rb1]

do they have a crank shaft sensor

rb1

 

[lmills]

crank and cam sensors

 

[driverno8]

Scheid make a nice street cam too. Love mine

 

[Matt400]

Who has camshaft knowledge and has one in an 05 ram?

I did a new (not regrind) PDR in my 05. I was mostly concerned with retarded cam timing hurting performance and mpg's.

I changed only the cam, not tappets per PDR's recommendation on the mileage.

Their grind also does not require springs.



I get a little smoke if I don't roll into the throttle easy where the stocker I didn't but I am not so sure thats the cam cuz I bumped up the injection timing 3 degrees at the same time.



Other than that what lmills said sounds like what I would have wrote.

 

[CRiggan]

thanks Matt400, I am currently checking out your cam install. All of the members here at TDR have been very helpful. as always!

 

[rb1]

ok ill try to call them torrow thanks

rb1

 

[CRiggan]

I suspect around January 2007. Hint hint.

 

[RobertP]

I suspect around January 2007. Hint hint.

thats perfect timing jason.

 

[AFarmer]

I like my Helix 2 from F1 Diesel. Also get some new valve springs.....

I'll second that.