Camshaft - a couple of questions

Pocket rocket · Post by **Pocket rocket** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 5:43 pm

I have a standard 3.5 RV8 with a JWR dual port inlet and edelbrock 1404. When I rebuilt it I fittted a standard 3.9 (carb) cam which i was advised would smooth out the idle and provide a small amount of extra power. the engine is in a Cobra kit (Sumo)

Firstly, I now think I would like a bit more of a kick so which cam would you suggest? I don't really want to go to the expense of machining valve guides athough I did have the foresight (?) to fit springs with one coil less (V8Tuner).

Second question - there's a used Piper 285 which I think is a possibility. I am aware that you're supposed to use a new cam with new followers but if I was to fit a used cam (barely worn?) could I use the followers already in my engine (about 3 - 5000 miles)?

Post by **katanaman** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 6:13 pm

285 would be an ok cam, Tony used one for a good while and thought it was ok. A hurricane or more than likely a typhoon would also be good choices and also cost less. Typhoon will give you a slightly lumpy idle though which you seem to be against. No to the cam and followers part though. If you cant get the second hand cam with the followers it belongs and marked in order then walk away. 3-5000 miles is also a long time to a cam the followers will be well bedded in and hardened to the cam they are on now.

Pocket rocket · Post by **Pocket rocket** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 6:54 pm

But what if the cam is used and the original followers aren't available - do you use new followers with a part worn cam ?

Post by **katanaman** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:28 pm

You buy a new cam and new followers or old cam with the matched followers . When it comes to cams you cant mismatch anything or rapid wear happens and it was all a waste of time and money. I know its a bummer and costs more but its the right and IMHO the only way to do it.

Pocket rocket · Post by **Pocket rocket** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:47 pm

Thanks marki

Better an idiot than a poor idiot with a mashed up engine

Post by **katanaman** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:57 pm

No M8 a lot of people really don't realise what happens to cams and followers when they are used. Because they both wear together rapidly then work harden to leave a very hard surface its different from say using an old crank and new bearings. The new bearings are soft and stay soft so there isnt any problems. If I absolutely had no choice I would go with one new and one old because at least one of them are still soft but its a big risk so I would rather save for a bit and buy both new. Like I said though if you find a low mileage cam with its lifters matched grab it as that's well usable.