dfarr67

iTrader: (2)

Way over thought my new (to me) 383 and got hung up on core materials and cam companies.
In my view the premier larger companies for quality are Crane, Crower, Erson, Isky- with a few top line boutique guys like Jones and Straub. I was 2 weeks behind in ordering my cam and while cruising the web found Russ Yoder asking for Erson feedback at Speedtalk, he put me in touch with Eric Bolanger at Erson. 1-800-641-7920 ext 8003
My impression is the brand has languished for a few years and are fighting to make a comeback, I think (and hope) their quality is top notch and in my particular case am looking for good power in a street cam with low valve train noise. I'll hopefully never see the cam as it's being shipped directly to the builder, BTW oe style Erson roller lifters are supplied by Johnson which is another plus.

Dave

Confuzed1

iTrader: (4)

Are they owned by someone else now? You're right in that they seemed to fall off the map for quite a few years. I know they used to be top-notch in the 90's….

dfarr67

iTrader: (2)

PBM, and their website is pretty bad- many have mentioned this to Erson. An investment in a good website would only make for better online sales. This is primarily why I didn't look at Isky or Engle, but the response from Erson was worth the effort to phone and have a custom made. As I understand it they still grind by hand which is good for us if the grinder is competant- couldn't find a bad word about quality with these guys- CNC is more for production and isn't as good as I would expect- by hand the cam is straightened about 5 times during grinding- the CNC doesn't do this.

Dave

ErsonCamShop

Paula Flowers is the owner of Erson Cams. She hired me in October of 2011 to turn things around here at Erson and bring pride and quality back to the company. This is why I ask for feedback, positive or negative. If I don't know what's broke, I can't fix it. I believe we have a very high quality product now. Our new website should be up shortly. We're working on getting some new profiles. All of my machine operators here at Erson take great pride in their work. That's why we engrave the operator's name in the back of every camshaft they grind. If there's anything I can help anyone with, please let me know. I'll be glad to address any questions, concerns, or complaints.
Thanks
Russ

dfarr67

iTrader: (2)

I was surprised that my request for a 4-7 swap could not be met by quite a few grinders, sbc roller=nothing special. Erson seems to show more commitment to these swaps.

Fast355

iTrader: (2)

That is good to know. I am considering the 4-7 swap when I swap my 5.7 Vortec Express van to the LS1 style coil near plug EFI Connection setup.

87oldschool

Why no mention of Lunati???

cuisinartvette

Used Erson quite a bit in the 80s they all ran real well never had an issue

My camino had an Erson in its original 327 that was put in late 80s/early 90s. Finally went flat about a yr ago (sold the engine to a buddy many yrs ago). Good product imo. Been running Iskys for yrs always liked the way they ran Id consider an Engle though.

Think they were the first ones back in the 60s/70s to run split profiles on BBC to get the most out of them. (pretty sure anyways) and they worked-someone had their thinking cap on

Always thought the "smaller guys" made a better product I dont believe in feeding corporate giants quality is never as good it seems.

Probably doesnt need to be said but Ersonif youre still reading, dont fall prey to using cheap coresa certain giant is using it will bite you in the azz. Id pay a litte more for a known good quality piece esp if its USA made. Bring back some older grinds too many of them worked real well.

dfarr67

iTrader: (2)

Nothing wrong with Lunati there's dozens of companies out there- this review is specific to Erson. When I looked at the Voodoo line it seems to me that aggressive lobes are the latest thing and I'm not particularly interested for street- I have that now in a short duration high lift cam. FAST355, emailed you sometime ago about cam choice-didn't hear from you...I'm building a 383 right now and I have installed the EFI connection 24x reluctor and modded vortec timing cover- stuff's not cheap, collecting a harness, 411, coils, etc.

ErsonCamShop

If anyone would like some help picking out profiles or a combination, Eric Bolander or Ryan Hickerson are our cam consultants. PM me for contact information and I'll get you there phone numbers and extensions.

All of our cams are ground on American-made cores. We proudly support hard working Americans by only using American-made cores and hope that you help us support Americans by buying our product.

Thanks
Russ

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Just an fyi you dont need any 4-7 swaps for a coil plug lsx 24x conversion. I also dont see how it will make a big difference in typical street motors to justify the cost, unless they do it for free

dfarr67

iTrader: (2)

I believe there is no extra cost incurred now. It's just another option to tick.

jamon8

iTrader: (3)

I have used erson cams and pbm because my machinist has an account with them. as long as you use the zddp in the oil they last a long time. I am all about American jobs. I will be using erson cams in all of my rebuilds from now on

dfarr67

iTrader: (2)

I think you will find a big chunk of offshore products in any 'affordable' line.

ErsonCamShop

If anybody's in town for the Street Rod Nationals, I'd like to invite you to stop by the shop anytime from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. I'd be glad to show you around Erson Cams, introduce you to the guys who grind your cams, and you can check out how a Berco grinder works in person. 8000 Old 3rd Street Rd, Louisville, KY 40214.
Thanks
Russ

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

i remember them from the 80's still have a box full of there decals.

dfarr67

iTrader: (2)

I never did hold that cam in my hands- but the engine is completed and the machinist was impressed with the visual and degreed in quality of the cam.

Dave

burnout88

Do you think you could make a copy of the Crane 2032 cam that is about half the price? That is a really popular cam for TPI applications but the cost of it has tripled. What makes that cam great is it requires no tuning on these cars and you can use the stock valve springs.

http://www.cranecams.com/product/car...detail&p=24200

ErsonCamShop

Making a copy of that shouldn't be a problem at all. You'll have to get with Ryan or Eric about the pricing, but from what I've seen I should be able to chop the price down considerably. I'll PM you their contact information.
Thanks
Russ

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

I had no idea erson Was based in Louisville! That's cool.

ErsonCamShop

Yes sir, at 8000 Old 3rd Street Road. You guys can stop in anytime. Let me know and we'll show you around.
Thanks
Russ

The Project

iTrader: (6)

Crane is still around?

Thought they went out of business after they went bankrupt.

Glad to see Erson making a comeback. Always been a fan of their cams.....