When I rebuilt my 350, the machinist insisted I send my cam out to this guy in my local area to have the cam 'coated' with some chemical. He said that what he coats the cam with will cause the cam to, with proper break-in, NEVER wear down. I've never seen anyone mention this coating, and was curious if anyone has ever heard of it or know if it works.

Here's one company's version http://www.hekimianracing.com/hrecoatings.html#Plasma_Enhanced_Chemical_Vapor_De position

Sounds like someone is out to make a little EXTRA money on the side. When the cam is broke in properly(gooped up and prelubed) , there are no wear issues. :confused:

My CC XE cam came with Parkerizing on it. That rough, black stuff. I was told that it makes the cam lube stay on better. I have been told to have cams Parkerized before. Oh yeah, my CC cam broke in just fine. I guess it works.

I wonder if it may have been a form of surface hardening for the lobes?
Maybe this other process would be an option!
http://www.300below.com/deepcryogenics.htm

"Nitride coated" maybe?

Not really a chemical coating but a heat treating process done with superheated ammonia, leaves the journals super hard (but brittle).

Did a few cams and cranks when I worked at a heat treaters back in the 70's & 80's.