budget 360 looking for a performance cam setup

Im sure you could tell the difference between a good used cam and lifters vs one with excessive wear, or improper break-in, the op maybe also. I personally wouldn't have a problem with running a used cam, if it were properly stored, protected, lifters in order, maybe a rare or obsolete cam, or if I only had so much to spend. At the least you'd have to be very critical of what "used" you're intending on using. If a used cam w/lifters was say $50-75, vs. new at $200+ that's a lot of dough for someone on a tight budget, just have to be discriminating.