20 replies to this topic

[Pete649]

Has anyone seen Keith Calver's article on cam timing in the July '13 issue of Mini Mag? I had not appreciated it could be done at the valve with the head fitted instead of at the pushrod without the head. Makes perfect sense.

[KernowCooper]

Good article and very indepth and various ways it can/should be done.

[ACDodd]

Those in the know, don't even use a timing disc, cam timing takes about 2mins to check one you have a true TDC point. Only need to remove the rocker cover. ANd no dial gauges needed. Just feeler blades and a small straight edge.

 

AC

[KernowCooper]

Be good for a short write up here and very handy AC if you have a Min or three

[jaydee]

Havent read the article yet, is he talking about the 'equal lift' method?

If so thats a very good way to time in camshafts

[Pete649]

If so thats a very good way to time in camshafts

 

No, Its about using a DTI to measure full lift at whatever degrees but taking measurements at the valve with the head fitted rather than the pushrod before the head is fitted.

[ACDodd]

Short on time. Not now.

Ac

[Davetom]

Those in the know, don't even use a timing disc, cam timing takes about 2mins to check one you have a true TDC point. Only need to remove the rocker cover. ANd no dial gauges needed. Just feeler blades and a small straight edge.
 
AC

Did you ever elaborate on this please ?

[ACDodd]

Hehehe never had the chance, I might have to do a video on it!

Ac

[Davetom]

Hehehe never had the chance, I might have to do a video on it

Ac

Quick description would be great ! I bought a modified car with little info, and the cam is the only unknown now. Didn’t want to pull it apart to check just yet

Edited by Davetom, 04 January 2026 - 04:27 PM.

[ACDodd]

That's not possible really, it needs to be explained properly which is why I have not got round to doing it. I use the process when on the road tuning, if I have an engine that has low vacuum readings/compression or just generally is performing poorly, this can check is used to determine the timing quickly. It's the same check used by racing teams to check cam timing in between event. Although I came up with this method m the a-series, as no one showed me. I can't believe others have not figured it out.

Ac

Edited by ACDodd, 04 January 2026 - 10:33 PM.

[Davetom]

That's not possible really, it needs to be explained properly which is why I have not got round to doing it. I use the process when on the road tuning, if I have an engine that has low vacuum readings/compression or just generally is performing poorly, this can check is used to determine the timing quickly. It's the same check used by racing teams to check cam timing in between event. Although I came up with this method m the a-series, as no one showed me. I can't believe others have not figured it out.

Ac

Are you planning to enlighten us any time soon , you could’ve starting telling us in the time it took to reply !

[ACDodd]

I don't have time to write 6 pages.

Ac

[Davetom]

I don't have time to write 6 pages.

Ac

2 minute video then ?


If you can do it in two minutes be my guest.
You clearly think this is easy and quick.

I will do a video later this year when I have a suitable vehicle to do it on.

Ac

Edited by ACDodd, 05 January 2026 - 09:14 AM.

[Davetom]

It wasn’t me that stated it was easy and quick, that was you !
Unless 2 mins with barely any equipment is difficult and time consuming?