What it is
This is a chilled-cast camshaft for the VW 1.9L ALH TDI engine, made by Colt Cams. Important material distinction: both Stage 2 and Stage 3 ALH cams are chilled-cast, not billet. This differs from Colt's PD-engine cams (BEW/BRM/BHW), where every stage, starting at Stage 2, is fully machined billet construction. For the ALH platform specifically, Colt doesn't offer a billet option at any stage; chilled-cast is the material across the ALH line.
What "chilled cast" means
During casting, the iron is poured and cooled rapidly, forming a hardened carbide matrix on the cam lobe surface. This gives strong scuff resistance and is the industry-standard material for quality OHC performance cams, it is not the same as a cheap generic aftermarket cam, which often can't handle the specific stresses of a VW TDI valvetrain despite looking similar.
Not a regrind
Colt Cams are manufactured new from fresh steel blanks, not reground from used factory cores. KermaTDI states this is why they can offer the warranty terms they do, a reground factory cam can't achieve the same lobe geometry as a fresh-ground blank.
Warranty, conditions apply
5-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, but only when the cam is ordered together with new lifters and a timing belt kit. Ordering the cam alone does not carry this warranty term.
If you need more lift than Stage 2
Colt's Stage 3 Chilled-Cast Camshaft for ALH is available as a higher-lift tier, still chilled-cast, not billet. Some documentation/lifter-bore modification may be required for that Stage 3 cam, a separate check-and-procedure document is provided for it.
Break-in procedure
Apply cam lube to all lobes, lifter faces, distributor gears, and oil pump gears. Oil all bearing journals and lifter barrels. Rotate the engine by hand before first start. Run at 1,800-2,000 RPM for 18-20 minutes after startup. Because modern oils often have reduced anti-scuffing additives for flat-tappet break-in, KermaTDI recommends adding a zinc additive to the oil before first startup.
Fitment
1999-2003 VW Golf, Jetta, Jetta Wagon, and New Beetle, ALH engine.
Common questions
Is this the same billet construction as KermaTDI's PD-engine cams? No, this ALH cam (Stage 2) is chilled cast, not billet. Unlike the PD-engine cams (BEW/BRM/BHW), where billet starts at Stage 2, Colt doesn't offer a billet option for the ALH at any stage, both Stage 2 and Stage 3 are chilled-cast.
Do I get the 5-year warranty just by buying this cam? No, the warranty requires ordering it together with new lifters and a timing belt kit, not the cam alone.
Is this a reground factory cam? No, it's manufactured new from fresh steel blanks, not reground from a used core, that's part of why KermaTDI can offer the warranty it does.
When will this be back in stock? Listed as early-to-mid 2026 at time of writing, confirm current status with KermaTDI, since this estimate may be outdated.
