Description
Professional camshaft nitriding service from Motown. Nitriding is a thermo-chemical surface treatment that diffuses nitrogen into the surface of the camshaft, creating a hardened, wear-resistant layer without dimensional change or the brittleness of conventional case-hardening.
Send us your new or used flat tappet or roller camshaft and we'll return it ready for hard use — longer-lasting, lower friction, and far less prone to lobe wear during break-in and prolonged service.
Benefits of Nitriding
- Improved wear resistance — surface hardness up to 65 Rc on the treated layer; lobes resist scuffing and pitting under high spring loads
- Increased camshaft lifespan — nitrided lobes routinely last 3–5× longer than untreated equivalents in high-performance use
- Reduced friction — the nitride layer is dimensionally stable and lower-friction than a polished steel surface
- Reduced break-in failures — particularly valuable for flat tappet cams, which are vulnerable to wipe-out during the first run
- No dimensional change — unlike chrome or other coatings, nitriding doesn't add thickness to the lobes
- Survives high-ZDDP, low-ZDDP, and modern API SP oils — less dependent on oil chemistry for protection
Suitable Camshaft Applications
- Hydraulic flat tappet camshafts (highest benefit — strongly recommended)
- Solid (mechanical) flat tappet camshafts
- Solid roller and hydraulic roller camshafts
- OEM-style replacement camshafts
- Aftermarket performance camshafts (Summit, COMP, Crower, Crane, Lunati, Howards, Edelbrock, etc.)
- Cast iron and steel billet camshafts
Turnaround
Standard turnaround is 7–10 working days from receipt of the camshaft at our workshop. Rush turnarounds available on request — contact us before ordering.
How It Works
- Order this service. We'll send shipping / drop-off instructions to your email.
- Ship your camshaft to us at the address provided (or drop off in person).
- We nitride the camshaft to our standard process spec.
- We ship it back to your delivery address (shipping back included).
Shipping
Service product — nothing is shipped from us until your camshaft arrives at our workshop. The "shipping" line item covers return delivery of your treated camshaft. You are responsible for delivery to the workshop.
FAQ
Will nitriding affect my cam's lift / duration / timing?
No. Nitriding is a surface treatment only — the lobe profile and core dimensions are unchanged. Your cam comes back to the same spec, just harder.
Can I nitride a used cam?
Yes, provided it isn't scuffed, scored or already wiped out. We inspect on arrival and contact you if there's a problem.
Does it replace proper break-in?
No. Nitriding makes break-in safer and more forgiving, but you should still use the correct break-in oil (or ZDDP additive) and follow the cam manufacturer's break-in procedure.
Do I still need matched lifters?
Yes — always use lifters matched to the cam's design (flat tappet vs. roller). Nitriding the cam doesn't change lifter requirements.
