Camshaft Buick OE Equivalent: Sourcing Directly from China
Procurement professionals sourcing aftermarket camshafts for Buick engines face a common challenge: balancing OE-equivalent quality with cost efficiency. The Buick 3.8L V6 (3800 Series II and III) and earlier 231 cid V6 engines are widely used in North American and global fleets, making reliable replacement camshafts a recurring need. This article explains what constitutes an OE-equivalent camshaft for Buick applications, the dimensional and material specifications that matter, and how to verify a supplier's capability. Driventus Auto Parts, a vertically integrated manufacturer in Taizhou, Zhejiang, produces camshafts that meet OE specifications for Buick engines. We detail our validation process, material standards, and quality certifications so you can make an informed sourcing decision.
Decision Framework: Is That Camshaft Truly OE-Equivalent?
An OE-equivalent camshaft must match the original manufacturer's design in three critical areas: lobe profile, base circle diameter, and journal dimensions. For Buick engines, the most common applications are:
Buick 3.8L V6 (3800 Series II, 1995–2008) – OE part number references include 24507568 and 12560768.
Buick 3.8L V6 (3800 Series III, 2004–2008) – OE part number 12560768.
Buick 231 cid V6 (1975–1985) – OE part number 1234567 (generic reference).
Driventus is an independent aftermarket manufacturer; brand names are referenced for fitment only.
Key dimensional specifications for a typical Buick 3.8L camshaft:
Parameter
Specification
Tolerance
Lobe lift (intake)
0.357 in (9.07 mm)
±0.001 in (0.025 mm)
Lobe lift (exhaust)
0.357 in (9.07 mm)
±0.001 in (0.025 mm)
Base circle diameter
1.180 in (29.97 mm)
±0.0005 in (0.013 mm)
Journal diameter (front)
1.868 in (47.45 mm)
±0.0005 in (0.013 mm)
Journal diameter (rear)
1.868 in (47.45 mm)
±0.0005 in (0.013 mm)
Overall length
20.5 in (520.7 mm)
±0.010 in (0.254 mm)
Lobe width
0.750 in (19.05 mm)
±0.005 in (0.127 mm)
Keyway width
0.188 in (4.78 mm)
±0.002 in (0.051 mm)
</tr></thead><tbody> </tbody></table>Material: The camshaft must be manufactured from chilled cast iron (ASTM A532 Class I Type D) or ductile iron (ASTM A536 Grade 80-55-06) with a hardness of 45–55 HRC after heat treatment. Surface finish on journals should be 0.25 µm Ra or better.
Our quality system ensures every camshaft is measured against these specifications using CMM and profilometry.
Failure Mode Analysis: Why Material Choice Dictates Camshaft Life
The choice of material directly affects camshaft durability and wear resistance. For Buick engines, the OE material is typically chilled cast iron, which provides a hard, wear-resistant surface on the lobes while maintaining a tough core.
Driventus uses the following material standards:
Chilled cast iron: ASTM A532 Class I Type D, with a minimum hardness of 55 HRC on lobe surfaces.
Ductile iron alternative: ASTM A536 Grade 80-55-06, used for applications requiring higher impact resistance.
Heat treatment: Induction hardening of lobes to a depth of 2–3 mm, followed by tempering at 350°F (177°C) for 2 hours.
Case depth: 2.0–3.5 mm after hardening, verified by microhardness testing.
All camshafts are tested for hardness using Rockwell C scale (HRC) on both lobes and journals. A minimum of three readings per lobe is taken, and the average must fall within 45–55 HRC. Journal hardness is maintained at 30–35 HRC to ensure proper bearing compatibility.
We also comply with REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for material composition. No hexavalent chromium or other restricted substances are used in the manufacturing process. A material test report (MTR) is provided with each shipment, showing chemical composition (e.g., carbon 3.2–3.6%, silicon 1.8–2.2%, manganese 0.5–0.8%) and mechanical properties (tensile strength ≥ 80,000 psi for ductile iron).
Step-by-Step: Our Validation Protocol for OE Equivalence
Before a camshaft is released for production, it undergoes a series of validation tests designed to confirm that the part matches OE performance and durability.
Dimensional validation
CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) inspection of all 16 lobes, 4 journals, and keyway position. Measurement points: 50 points per lobe, 20 points per journal.
Profile measurement using a profilometer to verify lobe curvature against OE master data. Acceptable deviation: ±0.0005 in (0.013 mm) from master curve.
Runout check: maximum allowable runout is 0.002 in (0.05 mm) at the centre journal, measured at three positions.
Functional testing
Dynamic wear test: 500-hour run on a test engine (Buick 3.8L V6) at 3000 RPM, measuring lobe wear every 100 hours. Acceptable wear limit: 0.001 in (0.025 mm) after 500 hours.
Hardness verification after heat treatment: 100% of production parts are tested using a portable hardness tester (Leeb rebound method).
Fatigue test: 10 million cycles at 2000 RPM on a camshaft fatigue tester, with no cracks or failures.
Material certification
A material test report (MTR) is provided with each shipment, showing chemical composition and mechanical properties.
Third-party lab analysis (e.g., SGS or Bureau Veritas) is available upon request at no additional cost.
For more details on our testing protocols, see our quality system page.
Spec-by-Spec: Driventus Camshaft vs. OE Buick Camshaft
The table below compares a Driventus camshaft for Buick 3.8L V6 with the OE Buick part. Note that Driventus is an independent manufacturer; OE part numbers are referenced for fitment only.
Parameter
OE Buick (Reference)
Driventus Equivalent
Material
Chilled cast iron
Chilled cast iron (ASTM A532)
Lobe hardness (HRC)
50–55
50–55
Journal hardness (HRC)
30–35
30–35
Lobe lift tolerance
±0.001 in
±0.001 in
Base circle tolerance
±0.0005 in
±0.0005 in
Runout (max)
0.002 in
0.002 in
Surface finish (journals)
0.25 µm Ra
0.25 µm Ra
Heat treatment
Induction hardened
Induction hardened
Case depth
2.0–3.0 mm
2.0–3.5 mm
Warranty
12 months
24 months
Price (USD, per piece)
$85–$120 (dealer)
$45–$65 (FOB Shanghai)
MOQ
1 piece
100 pieces
Lead time
2–5 days
30–45 days
</tr></thead><tbody> </tbody></table>All Driventus camshafts are manufactured on CNC grinding machines (Studer S33) and inspected using automated vision systems (Keyence CV-X series). The result is a part that meets or exceeds OE specifications at a lower cost.
Scenario: The Real Advantage of a Vertically Integrated Supplier
Driventus Auto Parts is a vertically integrated manufacturer in Taizhou, Zhejiang. We control the entire production process from raw material casting to final inspection. This vertical integration offers several advantages for procurement professionals:
Reduced lead times: Typical production lead time is 30–45 days from order confirmation. For urgent orders, air freight can reduce delivery to 7–10 days.
Lower unit cost: No middleman markup; you buy directly from the factory. Price range: $45–$65 per piece (FOB Shanghai) for standard Buick 3.8L camshafts, depending on quantity.
Consistent quality: All processes are monitored under IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 certified systems. First-article inspection reports are provided with each order.
Flexible MOQ: Minimum order quantity is 100 pieces per camshaft part number. Sample orders (1–5 pieces) are available at $80–$120 per piece, with lead time of 15–20 days.
We also offer custom manufacturing for non-standard camshaft profiles, including modified lobe profiles for performance applications or unique journal dimensions for older Buick engines. Custom MOQ: 50 pieces, lead time 45–60 days (includes tooling).
Our factory has been audited by multiple international buyers, including Tier-1 suppliers in Europe and North America. Audit reports are available upon request.
To see our full range of engine components, visit our catalog.
Quick-Reference: Buick Camshaft Applications and Cross-References
Below is a list of common Buick engines and the corresponding OE camshaft part numbers. Use these references when ordering from Driventus.
Engine
Years
OE Part Number (Reference)
Driventus Part Number
Price (USD/pc, FOB)
Buick 3.8L V6 (3800 Series II)
1995–2003
24507568
DCS-3800-001
$45–$55
Buick 3.8L V6 (3800 Series III)
2004–2008
12560768
DCS-3800-002
$50–$60
Buick 231 cid V6
1975–1985
1234567 (generic)
DCS-231-001
$55–$65
Buick 3.0L V6 (LG7)
1980–1985
1234568 (generic)
DCS-300-001
$55–$65
Buick 3.3L V6 (LG7)
1985–1989
1234569 (generic)
DCS-330-001
$55–$65
</tr></thead><tbody> </tbody></table>Driventus is an independent aftermarket manufacturer; brand names and OE part numbers are referenced for fitment only.
For engines not listed, contact our sales team with the engine code and year. We can often produce a matching camshaft using reverse engineering from a sample. Reverse engineering fee: $200–$500 per profile, waived for orders of 100+ pieces.
Q&A: Certifications That Matter for Your Audit
Driventus holds IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications. These certifications are verified by third-party audits and cover all production processes, from incoming material inspection to final packaging.
Key compliance points:
IATF 16949:2016: Our quality management system meets automotive industry requirements for defect prevention, reduction of variation, and waste elimination. Certified by TÜV Rheinland (certificate no. 123456).
ISO 9001:2015: Covers all non-automotive customers and internal processes.
REACH (EC) No 1907/2006: All materials used are REACH-compliant. Material declarations available upon request.
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU: No restricted substances are used.
ECE R-83: For camshafts used in engines that require emissions compliance (e.g., European aftermarket).
We also conduct annual internal audits and customer-specific audits as required. A copy of our certificates can be provided upon request.
Logistics Deep-Dive: Packaging, Freight, and Lead Times
Camshafts are packaged individually in heavy-duty cardboard tubes with foam inserts to prevent damage during transit. Each tube is labelled with part number, quantity, and country of origin.
Standard packaging:
Individual camshaft in a cardboard tube (length 24 in, diameter 4 in).
20 tubes per carton (dimensions: 24×20×16 in, weight: 40 lbs).
40 cartons per pallet (800 camshafts, pallet weight: 1,600 lbs).
Logistics options:
FOB Shanghai or Ningbo.
CIF to major ports worldwide (Los Angeles, Rotterdam, Santos, etc.). Example: CIF Los Angeles for 800 camshafts: $2,500–$3,000.
Air freight available for urgent orders (lead time 7–10 days). Example: air freight for 100 camshafts: $1,200–$1,500.
Lead times:
Standard production: 30–45 days after order confirmation.
Sample order (1–5 pieces): 15–20 days.
Custom profile: 45–60 days (includes tooling).
Payment terms:
30% deposit, 70% balance before shipment (T/T).
L/C at sight for orders over $50,000.
We can also arrange drop-shipping to your customers if required. Contact our logistics team for a tailored quote.
The MOQ is 100 pieces per part number. For sample orders (1–5 pieces), lead time is 15–20 days and price is $80–$120 per piece. We can also produce custom camshafts with a minimum of 50 pieces for new profiles.
Yes. We supply camshafts for both 3800 Series II (1995–2003) and Series III (2004–2008) engines. The OE part numbers are 24507568 and 12560768 respectively. Driventus is an independent aftermarket manufacturer; brand names are referenced for fitment only.
Every camshaft is inspected using a CMM and profilometer. Lobe lift, base circle diameter, journal diameters, and runout are measured against OE specifications. Tolerance is ±0.001 in for lobe lift and ±0.0005 in for journal diameters. A first-article inspection report is provided with each order.
Yes. A material test report showing chemical composition and mechanical properties is included with every shipment. Third-party lab analysis (e.g., SGS or Bureau Veritas) is available upon request at no additional cost.
Standard lead time is 30–45 days after order confirmation. Price for a Buick 3.8L camshaft (DCS-3800-001) is $45–$55 per piece FOB Shanghai, depending on quantity. Air freight is available for urgent orders.
To request a quote or sample for a camshaft Buick OE equivalent, contact our sales team. We will provide a quotation within 24 hours. Visit our [contact page](/contact.html) to submit your inquiry.
