Topic: Cams. hardweld vs. regrind?

[Phaedrus]

I searched a bit but did not find an answer.  What are the pros and cons of a hardweld cam vs. a regrind aside from regrind being cheaper.  Does the cost reduction affect longevity?

[crazypj]

Regrind makes base circle smaller, the tappets should have clearance so it doesnt contact/wear the surface. Rockers dont wwork at optimum angles so you may get valve guide wear. welded cam builds up nose with hard material and is then reprofiled. Either way tthings wear out faster than stock. Depends how much you can do yourself and how many miles you intend to put on unit, probably good for several years either way. ( unless your doing 100,000 plus a year?)

[Big Jay]

Regrinds are grinding a new profile by reducing the base circle and adding that to the nose for more lift. The cam is then re-heat treated.  Welding is done with a special hardfacing rod and the lobe is welded up and then reground into the new profile. This type of cam has a lobe much harder than a new oem cam or a regrind.

Jay