Disclosed are sliding cam actuators, methods for making and using such actuators, and motor vehicles with internal combustion engines employing sliding cam actuators. A sliding cam actuator is disclosed with two actuator pins projecting from an actuator housing. These pins move from retracted to extended positions and engage a shift barrel on a sliding camshaft. An actuator assembly moves each actuator pin to its extended position into engagement with the shift barrel to thereby slide the camshaft to a different location. An actuator shank is attached to the actuator housing and engaged with the actuator pins. Moving the first actuator pin to its extended position moves the actuator shank in one direction, which moves the second actuator pin towards its retracted position. Moving the second actuator pin to its extended position causes the actuator shank to move in another direction, which moves the first actuator pin towards its retracted position.