Description
Hamilton Cams Complete Kit for Cummins Engines
Strength, durability, and precision—those are the hallmarks of our Hamilton Cams flat tappet conversion kit™. From forged steel camshafts to DLC-coated tappets and robust pushrods, every component is engineered for performance and reliability. Trust in our decades of research, thousands of dyno tests, and millions of real-world miles to deliver a kit that stands the test of time.
“Innovation slightly faster than imitation.”
Forged Steel Camshafts
- Tighter Grain Structure: Our 178 steel cams are forged, not cut from bar stock—resulting in a denser, more uniform grain structure.
- Enhanced Longevity: A natural “halo” in grain structure forms on the exterior of the cam during forging, adding strength for extended service life.
DLC-Coated Tappets
- Gas Carburized & Polished: Each tappet undergoes a hardening process that provides a stable base metal for the DLC coating.
- Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coating: This ultra-hard surface finish reduces friction and wear. Incorrect oil, incorrect lash, valve float, or metal contamination can damage the coating.
Valve Lash & Operating Requirements
Lash that is too loose can damage the tappets or coating by increasing impact when the clearance is taken up. Lash that is too tight can damage the coating by preventing adequate oil film formation before the next impact cycle.
- Intake Valve Lash: 0.010″
- Exhaust Valve Lash: 0.020″
- Check valve lash after five minutes of running, and recheck after retorquing the cylinder head.
High RPM amplifies the impact between the camshaft and tappet. Operation above 4,000 RPM and high spring pressures are discouraged for longevity. Although this is a performance camshaft that is emission compliant, think of it as a fix for stock or mild builds that do not exceed 4,000 RPM and use OEM springs.
When oil viscosity is too low, lash is excessive, RPM is too high, or spring pressure is too high, the oil film may not adequately separate the tappet and camshaft. Under these conditions, the DLC coating can degrade and delaminate.
Wear metals from other engine failures can enter the non-filtered splash oil and damage the DLC coating. Clean oil and proper filtration are essential.
Heavy-Duty Pushrods
- 3,500+ lbs Buckling Force: Compared to around 1,800 lbs for OEM pushrods, ours reduce deflection at high cylinder pressures.
- Consistent Valve Timing: With less flex, your valvetrain stays precisely in sync—even under demanding conditions.
Upgraded Rocker Arms
- High-Quality Casting: Built to handle intense stress and heat cycles.
- Gas Carburized Ball & Foot: Reduces friction and wear for longer service intervals.
- DLC-Coated Trunnion: Minimizes galling—an all-too-common issue with OEM trunnions—and lowers overall friction in the valvetrain.
Important Fitment Notice
If you have had your engine block or cylinder head surfaced, please call us for verification to ensure proper kit fitment.
Oil Requirements & Warranty
Approved oil is required. Use an approved 15W-40 oil for normal temperatures, or an approved 5W-40 oil for sub-zero Fahrenheit conditions. The oil must provide adequate zinc, phosphorus, and molybdenum for flat tappet operation.
Thin or low-additive oils may not provide the protection a flat tappet requires. If you need a 5W-40 oil for sub-zero conditions, contact Hamilton Cams to confirm the specific oil is approved before use.
Approved Oils
- 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
- Redline 15W-40
Acceptable Oils
- Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 15W-40
- Shell Rotella T5 15W-40
Preferred Oil Filter: Fleetguard Stratapore LF16035.
Running a non-approved oil voids the warranty. All warranty claims must include the failed parts and an oil sample.
Proven Performance & Reliability
- Decades of Experience: Our cams have powered countless diesel engines for millions of road miles and thousands of dyno runs.
- SEMA-Certified (49-State Compliance): This kit is tested and certified for street use in 49 states.
When you choose Hamilton Cams, you are investing in proven innovation and superior craftsmanship. Help your Cummins engine deliver reliable power for the long haul with a kit designed for durability when installed and operated within the requirements above.
Qualified Installers
If you are looking for installation, here is a list of qualified installers.
United States
Arizona
- Deer Valley Diesel — Phoenix
Arkansas
- Point Blank Performance — Jonesboro
Connecticut
- Kleemann Service Center — Norwich
Florida
- Central Florida Diesel — Cocoa West
Idaho
- Lake City Auto Care — Hayden
Indiana
- Killer Diesel — Mooreland
Michigan
- DNR Customs — Wales
Montana
- Ram Workz — Belgrade
Nevada
- Sin City Diesel & Offroad — Las Vegas
Oregon
- Pro Automotive & Diesel — Scappoose
- Tonkin Hillsboro Ram/Dodge — Portland
Tennessee
- Postal Performance — Dickson
Texas
- Diesel Works — Fort Worth
- Unrivaled Diesel — Weatherford
Utah
- Dave’s Auto Center — Centerville
- Truck Stuf — Herriman
Washington
- Diesel Dudes — Seattle
Wisconsin
- Duernberger Diesel Service — Iron Ridge
- Pure Diesel Power — Marshfield
Canada
Alberta
- Armor Inc. Diesel — Red Deer
- Obsessive Compulsive Diesel — Edmonton
- PowerHouse Machining — Edmonton
British Columbia
- Dirty Diesel Customs — West Kelowna
