You have a weekend engine build locked in, a bare block on the stand and a cam swap at the top of the to-do list. The last thing you need is a six-week wait for a camshaft sitting in a Memphis warehouse. If you are shopping for COMP Cams products in Melbourne, this checklist will help you identify an authorised dealer that actually keeps inventory on Australian shelves, offers real technical guidance, and ships fast — or lets you collect in person.
What Makes COMP Cams Different from Other Cam Brands?
Comp Cams is the world's top manufacturer of performance camshafts and valvetrain products. COMP Cams, also known as Competition Cams, invests in technology, research and development programs to be “The Absolute Leader in Valve Train Technology”. Their product catalogue spans hydraulic roller cams, flat-tappet grinds, beehive valve springs, roller rockers, pushrods, timing sets and specialty lubricants. COMP Cams is a legendary name in performance, trusted by racers, enthusiasts, and everyday drivers for over 60 years.
Because their R&D budget runs into millions of dollars and every profile is dyno-validated before release, buying genuine product through an authorised channel protects both your warranty and your engine.
Checklist: Five Things to Verify Before You Buy
1. Confirm Authorised Dealer Status
Not every online store listing COMP Cams part numbers is an authorised reseller. An authorised dealer has a direct purchasing relationship with the brand or its appointed Australian distributor. You can have confidence you are dealing direct with an authorised Comp Cams Dealer when the retailer openly states this on their website and can provide warranty support without routing claims back through a third-party middleman.
2. Check for On-Hand, Local Stock
Drop-shipping is common in the Australian aftermarket parts industry. A store may show a product as ‘available’ but only order it from the US once you pay. Look for language that explicitly confirms warehouse stock in Australia. Total Performance states: “We are NOT a 'Drop Ship' store, we hold our own stock.” Total Performance has in stock over 1000 products of Comp Cams. Dealers who warehouse locally can dispatch within a business day rather than weeks.
3. Evaluate Technical Knowledge
A camshaft is not a bolt-on accessory — it requires matching valve springs, checking piston-to-valve clearance, and often a retune. The right dealer will ask about your engine combination before selling you a grind. Total Performance has been the biggest Australian COMP Cams dealer for over 25 years, which means decades of hands-on fitment knowledge across Ford, Chev, Holden and Mopar platforms.
4. Look for a Physical Showroom You Can Visit
Being able to walk in, inspect parts, and have a face-to-face conversation matters — especially for complex builds. Total Performance invites customers to “stop in & say Hello at 1/10 Brand Drive, Thomastown, 3074 Victoria, Australia” — a genuine Melbourne-based location in the northern industrial corridor, easy to reach from the Ring Road.
5. Review Shipping Policy and Thresholds
Even if you prefer online ordering, confirm the dealer ships promptly within Australia. Total Performance offers free fast delivery on orders over $200. Based in Melbourne, they ship Australia-wide to Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania and the NT.
Popular COMP Cams Categories Stocked Locally
When a Melbourne dealer holds genuine local inventory, you can typically find the following product families ready to ship or collect:
- Camshafts — LS1/LS2/LS3, Ford Windsor, Ford Cleveland, Small Block Chev, Big Block Chev, Holden 304/308, HEMI, GM 3800 V6 and more.
- Valve Springs & Kits — Beehive, conical and dual spring setups sized for street cruisers through to bracket racers.
- Roller Lifters — OE-style link-bar lifters and retro-fit sets for non-roller blocks.
- Roller Rockers & Shaft Rockers — Aluminium and steel options across popular ratios.
- Pushrods — Chromoly and hardened options in custom lengths.
- Timing Sets & Gear Drives — Billet steel, double-roller and adjustable keyway configurations.
- Break-In Oil & Assembly Lube — Critical for flat-tappet cam break-in procedures.
COMP Cams product range includes a wide range of Camshafts, Rocker Arms, Pushrods, Lifters, Valve Springs, Manifold & Throttle body parts, Timing Sets, Timing Belts, Gear Drives and more.
Real-World Scenario: LS Cam Swap on a Weekend Timeline
Imagine you are building a mild street LS3 and want a Stage 2 hydraulic roller cam with matched springs and new lifters. Here is how a Melbourne-based authorised dealer compresses the timeline:
- Monday: Phone or email the dealer with your engine specs — displacement, heads, intake, converter stall speed, diff ratio and intended use.
- Tuesday: The dealer recommends a specific COMP Cams grind (e.g., an LST 251/266 hydraulic roller), confirms it is on the shelf along with the matching spring kit and lifter set, and sends an invoice.
- Wednesday: You collect from the Thomastown showroom or receive the parcel via express courier.
- Saturday: The cam is in the engine and you are ready for a first start-up with the correct break-in lube already applied.
Compare that to ordering offshore: international shipping alone can take two to four weeks, customs clearance adds another few days, and if a part arrives damaged you are back to square one with no local warranty support.
Custom Camshaft Grinds — An Overlooked Dealer Benefit
Serious engine builders sometimes need a lobe profile that does not appear in the standard catalogue. Total Performance stocks the best range of Comp Cams parts and you can even order a Custom Comp Camshaft. An authorised dealer with a direct line to the COMP Cams factory can submit your engine data, have a bespoke grind designed, and import it under their dealer account — giving you both a competitive edge and full manufacturer backing.
Red Flags When Shopping for COMP Cams in Australia
- No stated authorisation — If the store does not mention being an authorised dealer, assume they are reselling grey-market stock.
- Lead times measured in weeks — This usually signals drop-shipping from the United States.
- No technical support — A dealer that cannot discuss lobe separation angle, spring installed height or break-in procedures is unlikely to help you if something goes wrong.
- Missing warranty information — Genuine COMP Cams products carry manufacturer warranties, but only through authorised channels. Total Performance backs purchases with the best warranties.
- No physical address — Phantom storefronts make returns and warranty claims difficult.
Key Takeaways
- Always confirm authorised dealer status before purchasing COMP Cams products — it protects your warranty and ensures genuine parts.
- Prioritise dealers who hold local Australian stock rather than drop-shipping from overseas.
- A dealer with decades of valvetrain experience can recommend the right cam, springs and lifters for your specific build.
- Having a Melbourne showroom you can visit in person speeds up complex orders and custom cam requests.
- Total Performance offers the best performance parts and advice, covering everything from building a street cruiser to a competition race motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Total Performance an authorised Comp Cams dealer?
Yes. Total Performance is an Australian Comp Cams Dealer with over 1000 lines in stock, and you can have confidence you are dealing direct with an authorised Comp Cams Dealer.
Where is Total Performance located?
Total Performance's registered office is at 1/10 Brand Drive, Thomastown, VIC, 3074, AU. The showroom is open for walk-in customers.
Can I order a custom Comp Cams camshaft through a Melbourne dealer?
Yes. Total Performance Australia stocks the best range of Comp Cams parts and you can even order a Custom Comp Camshaft.
Does Total Performance ship outside Melbourne?
Based in Melbourne, they ship Australia-wide to Brisbane, QLD, Sydney, NSW, Perth, WA, Adelaide, SA, Tasmania and the NT.
What engine platforms does COMP Cams cover?
Total Performance specialises in Ford, Chevy, Holden 304/308, LS1, LS2, LS3 and Chrysler/Mopar muscle car engines. COMP Cams also produces grinds for GM 3800 V6, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, AMC and many other families.
Do I get free shipping on Comp Cams orders?
Total Performance offers free shipping on orders over $200.