I have an opportunity to purchase a used Milltek header and/or a used Schrick cam. They had been in use since April 2005. Of course, new would be ideal, but the cost savings is making this attractive. Are used cams and exhausts generally a faux pas? If not, is there anything I should look out for in terms of wear?

 

I've purchased used schrick 276 cams for my 16v volkswagen amd then had 30k miles on them. As long as the engine was maintained they will be perfect. My cams had no visable wear on them. As far as headers go, as long as the cat is clean, and there are no stress cracs it'll be fine.


How many miles are on the parts?

 

I'm guessing less than 10K mi; possibly less than 5K mi for the cam. I saw the cam and it *looks* okay, just a couple some hairline scuff marks. The header and exhaust likely have more wear; I forgot to ask the guy if they've seen winter salt -- an issue when you live where I do.

 

The cam will be perfectly fine, just clean it well before installing it, and install it with assembly lube.

 

dont buy a used cam I dont think its a good idea. header wouldnt matter though

 

A cam should be fine to buy used since it shouldn't have any noticeable wear from the vehicle. Now, if it has been kicked around a shop for a while and dinged up by ball-peen hammers, then all bets are off.

FYI, my general rule of thumb for used aftermarket parts is to price them at 1/2 the price new.