Product description
Hamilton Cams Cast Performance Camshaft
Unlock more airflow, lower exhaust gas temperatures, and increased horsepower with the Hamilton Cams Cast Performance Camshaft. Designed for serious street, towing, competition, and pulling applications, this camshaft delivers improved cylinder filling and exhaust scavenging without sacrificing drivability.
With a broad 1,700–4,500 RPM powerband, this cam has consistently demonstrated 40–60 horsepower gains (depending on fueling and turbocharger combination) while reducing EGTs by 200–300°F under load.
Whether you're building a high-performance tow rig, weekend drag truck, or pulling truck, this camshaft provides the airflow needed to support larger injectors, upgraded turbochargers, and improved cylinder head flow.
Performance Benefits
Broad 1,700–4,500 RPM operating range
Proven 40–60 HP gains with supporting modifications
Lowers exhaust gas temperatures by 200–300°F
Improved cylinder filling and exhaust scavenging
Excellent drivability with increased top-end power
Compatible with both 12-Valve and 24-Valve Cummins engines
Camshaft Specifications
Duration @ .050":
Intake: 188°
Exhaust: 220°
Warranty Requirements
Hamilton Cams warranties camshafts only when installed with Hamilton Cams lifters and valve springs.
Using the complete Hamilton valvetrain ensures proper compatibility, break-in, and long-term reliability.
Installation Requirements
Although this is considered a drop-in camshaft for many applications, all piston-to-valve clearances should be verified during assembly.
12-Valve Requirements
For true drop-in installation:
Maximum piston protrusion: .018"
Minimum valve face depth: .055"
Standard thickness head gasket
Installed on a 99° intake centerline
If minimum piston-to-valve clearance is not achieved, use an oversized head gasket or machine valve reliefs as required.
24-Valve Requirements
For true drop-in installation:
Maximum piston protrusion: .018"
Minimum valve face depth: .038"
Standard thickness head gasket
If necessary, additional piston-to-valve clearance can be obtained through valve reliefs or an oversized head gasket.
Additional Recommendations
Always install new lifters when replacing a camshaft.
Upgraded valve springs are required.
Verify piston-to-valve clearance on every engine, regardless of advertised drop-in compatibility.
Recommended Applications
High-performance street trucks
Tow rigs
Drag racing
Stock-class pulling
Daily-driven performance builds
Break-In Procedure
Proper break-in is essential for maximizing camshaft life and performance.
Before Startup
Apply a generous amount of quality assembly lube to all camshaft lobes and lifter faces.
Prime the oil pump with assembly lube during new engine builds.
Fill and prime the oil filter before startup.
Disable fuel delivery and crank the engine until oil pressure is established or oil reaches the rocker arms.
Never allow the engine to start without confirmed oil pressure.
Initial Startup
Start the engine only after verifying oil pressure.
Bring the engine completely to operating temperature.
If the cylinder head requires a hot retorque, perform it before adjusting valve lash.
After any retorque procedure, reset valve lash.
Once complete, change the oil and filter before placing the engine into normal service.
Approved Engine Oils (Required)
Flat tappet camshafts require oil with sufficient anti-wear additives. Oils lacking adequate zinc, phosphorus, and molybdenum can significantly reduce camshaft and lifter life.
Approved oils include:
Valvoline Full Synthetic 15W-40
Valvoline Synthetic Blend 15W-40
Valvoline All-Terrain 15W-40
Schaeffer's 15W-40
Mobil Delvac Extreme 15W-40
LIQUI MOLY Touring High Tech 15W-40
Driven Racing Oil 15W-40
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 15W-40
Shell Rotella 15W-40
Use 5W-40 only in sub-zero operating conditions.