I started doing the math on a regrind vs a true Big Stick and it just DID NOT make sense. Especially when I snagged one during the July 4th sale for $535.
Lets compare the same cam specs for a regrind vs Hamilton. Regrinds cost $375 for 181/210 even though I've seen the regrinds with these specs sell for more than $600 else where [Can you say middle man?]. But you have to ship your core back, so lets say it costs a conservative $50 to box and ship. Oops, they want extra to drill and tap that stock cam for a bolt/retainer, that runs something like $40. Then the bolt and retainer itself costs $65 more. 375+50+45+65=$530. $535-$530=$5. $5.00 more for a brand new cam, ok not just brand new but a cam that was engineered to be stronger in all ways, perform better, last longer, etc. Even without the sale it's only $70 more for something that is better in every way. $599-$530=$69.
These aren't seat covers folks, it's the mechanical brain of the Cummins motor. Before Zach same along regrinds were even higher in price. Start looking at Haisley [$543 Street Grind], Helix [$488, three years ago it was like $800], Sheid [$543], PRD [$425] and you'll be wondering how they even sell cams. A little while back they cost even more!
Hold one in your hands vs a Hamilton and you'll see why it's worth every penny to run something designed to be better in every aspect. I've had a regrind, Helix 2, and Hamilton in front of me. For the difference in cost you'd be foolish not to run a much better product by going with HD camshaft. That's assuming of course there is a cost difference...
-Dustin-