Abstract: Modified cams and cam followers are designed to remove lash arising from clearances and compliance in valve train components. The cam followers have a crowned cam contacting surface having a crest, and the cams have a relief formed in a part of the base circle opposite the lift profile. The relief extends across the area opposed to the crest so that the region of the relief, the cam engages the follower in a path offset from and lower than the crest. The cam regions remote from the relief contact the follower on the crest. When the cam moves from the offset contact to the crest contact the valve train will be compressed just enough to remove the compliance prior to lift profile engagement. If any lash is present, it is also removed by the same action.