Originally Posted by Matt L

Let me add that I am uncomfortable recommending that you use the old lifters to save $200. Let me further add that I would check the price of the camshaft before deciding what to do. I would venture to guess that a new camshaft is very expensive, but a good used one may be available.

If you lose a lobe, it will probably be immediate and not at some random time down the road (although this is still possible). Your engine can run without one camshaft lobe, but it won't run very well and you won't feel too good about running it once you find the metal bits in the pan.