Cam Cores: 5150, 8660, 8620. What is the difference? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

cammotion perf · 03-16-2015, 03:39 PM

5150, 8660 & 8620 cam cores, what is the difference and which is best? We will break it down with this simple explanation.

5150 Induction Hardened Chromium
5150 is the standard camshaft that most all of our competitors sell. This alloy is induction hardened. While it is not the best available, it is perfectly fine for most applications if proper care is taken to finish the lobes properly.

8660 Induction Hardened Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum
8660 cam cores have a superior alloy to the 5150 and are induction hardened. This is a step up over the 5150 cam cores.

8620 Carburized Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum
Our 8620 camshafts are made of a superior alloy to the 5150 and these cores also endure a more involved oven hardening process. This hardening process creates more durable wear surfaces on the lobes while maintaining the desirable ductility characteristics of the the 8620 alloy. The final product is a camshaft that is stronger with a more durable wear surface. Our 8620 cams are a superior product.

Because we know that, for some enthusiasts, pricing is a major factor in choosing parts, we now offer all 3 cam core options. This is an extension of our commitment to make sure that our LS customers can get exactly what they want in a camshaft.

Our pricing for these 3 different cam core choices is as follows:
5150 $399.00
8660 $425.00
8620 $449.00

JCunningham · 03-16-2015, 11:33 PM

Aries240SS · 03-17-2015, 09:47 AM

For just $50, its a no-brainer that you should go with the 8660 material. Only for the longevity preventing the need to go back in a year sooner and replace the cam made with a softer alloy.

JCunningham · 03-17-2015, 09:53 AM

+ better quality control

LOBBS · 03-17-2015, 10:38 AM

The upgrade to 8620 is a small price to pay for big longevity.

Verbatim · 03-17-2015, 09:01 PM

FWIW stock GM cams are a 5150 material. The 5150 should be a harder alloy than the 8620 given the right heat treatment, but the surface carburization of the 8620 is what gives it the improved wear resistance.

All 3 look like great choices, props to Cam Motion for providing us with more options!

03-16-2015, 03:39 PM	#1
cammotion perf Drives: cam tech Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: baton rouge , la. Posts: 30	Cam Cores: 5150, 8660, 8620. What is the difference? 5150, 8660 & 8620 cam cores, what is the difference and which is best? We will break it down with this simple explanation. 5150 Induction Hardened Chromium 5150 is the standard camshaft that most all of our competitors sell. This alloy is induction hardened. While it is not the best available, it is perfectly fine for most applications if proper care is taken to finish the lobes properly. 8660 Induction Hardened Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum 8660 cam cores have a superior alloy to the 5150 and are induction hardened. This is a step up over the 5150 cam cores. 8620 Carburized Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Our 8620 camshafts are made of a superior alloy to the 5150 and these cores also endure a more involved oven hardening process. This hardening process creates more durable wear surfaces on the lobes while maintaining the desirable ductility characteristics of the the 8620 alloy. The final product is a camshaft that is stronger with a more durable wear surface. Our 8620 cams are a superior product. Because we know that, for some enthusiasts, pricing is a major factor in choosing parts, we now offer all 3 cam core options. This is an extension of our commitment to make sure that our LS customers can get exactly what they want in a camshaft. Our pricing for these 3 different cam core choices is as follows: 5150 $399.00 8660 $425.00 8620 $449.00

03-16-2015, 11:33 PM	#2
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,069	__________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

03-17-2015, 09:47 AM	#3
Aries240SS Drives: 2011 1SS RS Camaro, 1995 LSX 240SX Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 462	For just $50, its a no-brainer that you should go with the 8660 material. Only for the longevity preventing the need to go back in a year sooner and replace the cam made with a softer alloy. __________________ 2011 Camaro 1SS Whipple Supercharged 1150/1100 @ 24psi - Removed blower and went Turbo Huron Speed T6 1135/1070 @ 20psi so far. 15 more PSI loading...

03-17-2015, 09:53 AM	#4
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,069	+ better quality control __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

03-17-2015, 10:38 AM	#5
LOBBS Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 472 View My Garage	The upgrade to 8620 is a small price to pay for big longevity.

03-17-2015, 09:01 PM	#6
Verbatim Drives: '18 2SS 1LE HBM Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MI Posts: 71	FWIW stock GM cams are a 5150 material. The 5150 should be a harder alloy than the 8620 given the right heat treatment, but the surface carburization of the 8620 is what gives it the improved wear resistance. All 3 look like great choices, props to Cam Motion for providing us with more options!