31 replies to this topic

[JonnyAlpha]

Hi;

 

I am looking for some advice on Camshaft choices for a potential 1293 Engine Build.

 

The engine is (I believe an early MG Metro) problem is the Engine ID plate has disintegrated and there was no Licence Plate on the car that I have pulled the engine from. The Car is probably a Mk2 1989?

So the Cam in the engine is at the mo possibly an MG Metro Cam, which is a pretty good Cam.

 

One local machining company (specialising in Morris Minor Engines) suggested that they would rebuild using a Kent MD266. Calver ST recommends the Piper BP255.

 

The rebuild will be a 1293 with a standard 12G940 early MG Metro Head fitted with unleaded valve inserts, lightened Flywheel, HIF44 and Stage One Kit, Duplex Timing Chain. For now it will have the original Electronic Ignition.

 

Would this be classed as a Fast Road build?

 

I have been reading up on Camshafts (aka Vizards bible) and understand the theory a little but what Cam should I opt for:

 

1. Standard MG Metro Cam that's already in the engine = no additional cost

2. Piper BP255 - £204 ish

3. Kent MD266 - £280 ish 

4. Minispares Evolution001 - £89

 

And how would each Cam compare against each other?

 

Many thanks 

 

Some links to my other threads and pics of the engine:

 

http://www.theminifo...40#entry3565054

 

http://www.theminifo...s-cost-cutting/

 

http://www.theminifo...in-minis/page-2

 

http://www.theminifo...ect-who/page-46

 

[nicklouse]

i would fit the EVO001

[Stevie W]

I have Swiftune SW5-07 cam in my 1293 A+ engine. It gives good torque throughout the rev range with a smooth tick-over, so another cam to think about.

 

It's best described as a "mild" cam for fast (or not so slow!) road use!!

 

Cheers, Steve.  

[Cooperman]

The existing MG Metro cam is almost the same as a 266 and better than a 255.
Just use the one you have and save quite a bit.
On a road car you will find it excellent. The torque curve is really good and you should also be able to achieve 85 bhp+.

[Retroman]

You could stick with the existing MG cam...assuming that it is an MG type has a raised band between lobes 1 & 2

 

Also bear in mind it has done x K revolutions and could be worn, the MG was the highest lift a series production cam, and they also specified the wrong oil for a while.

 

Numerous MG Metro's developed a tick or worse

 

The Evolution 001 is slightly more lively, and good VFM, and it would be new.

 

I would consider having some head work too, as that releases more power than any other mod when chasing performace

 

Pm if you want for pricing

[mini13]

as stated the <MG cams a god bet as its free, if its not the MG cam, then another option is one of AC dodds cams.

 

I would get turbo phil to give the head a once over, you can pick up some good gains with getting the seats recut properly and valves back cut.

[whistler]

Stick with the MG Metro or if you need to buy a new cam then the Minispares EVO001 is a very good cam for road use and it's cheap.

[Bobbins]

Slightly off topic .... how does the MPi Cooper cam compare to the ones listed by the OP?

[JonnyAlpha]

Thanks so much for all of the info. 

 

So based on the above responses and what I have already found out I think i'll do the following:

 

1. Confirm the Cam in the engine

2. Check the original cam for wear

3. If worn i'll fit an Evolution001

 

 

as stated the <MG cams a god bet as its free, if its not the MG cam, then another option is one of AC dodds cams.

 

I would get turbo phil to give the head a once over, you can pick up some good gains with getting the seats recut properly and valves back cut.

 

Subject to costs this too would be worthwhile, it was recommended on this thread, i'll look up Turbo Phil. 

[Mrpeanut]

Thanks so much for all of the info.

So based on the above responses and what I have already found out I think i'll do the following:

1. Confirm the Cam in the engine
2. Check the original cam for wear
3. If worn i'll fit an Evolution001

as stated the <MG cams a god bet as its free, if its not the MG cam, then another option is one of AC dodds cams.

I would get turbo phil to give the head a once over, you can pick up some good gains with getting the seats recut properly and valves back cut.

Subject to costs this too would be worthwhile, it was recommended on this thread, i'll look up Turbo Phil.

You won't go wrong with the Evo001. It's an excellent cam, it just pulls and pulls right across the rev range.

[Cooperman]

The Evo001 is a good cam, but there would be no noticeable difference in a road car.
The real key if a really well flowed head with the ideal compression ratio.
Make sure both the induction system and exhaust system are optimised and it will be a 'not quite so slow' Mini.

[Mrpeanut]

The Evo001 is a good cam, but there would be no noticeable difference in a road car.
The real key if a really well flowed head with the ideal compression ratio.
Make sure both the induction system and exhaust system are optimised and it will be a 'not quite so slow' Mini.

Very true but when the head, induction and exhaust is sorted the evo001 will give a little more than the mg metro can. It's a variation on the theme - very similar spec but more built in lift. That factor, and that the mg metro can will be as old as the hills and worn to some extent, makes swapping out teh cam whilst the engine is apart the sensible thing to do imo. The evo001 will only cost £80 and somebody would give £50 all day long for an old mg metro cam. £30 for an upgrade and brand new cam is an easy choice for me.

[Cooperman]

If you ar using the car for out and out competition that is true.
However, for use on a public road there will be no noticeable difference.
From what I have seen owners ar not 'red lining' their cars all the time and even 0.5 seconds off the 0 -60 time makes no difference in the real world.
If an MG Metro cam is in good condition it is a great item to have in a road Mini.
To improve overall performance the best things to do are to improve the suspension and brakes, reduce the weight and buy the vey best tyres.

[JonnyAlpha]

In order to ensure everything is "pucker" i'll probably go with a new Cam, but only once the existing Cam has been checked and measured.

 

As far as the head is concerned, whilst it is out, and as long as it's in budget, I will consider getting it modified in as much as smoothing the valve seats and lowering the valve guides.

[Midas Mk1]

266 and SW5 are cracking road cams from experience, love how tame the sw5 on idle but can really give the numbers with a well sorted engine (almost triple figures in my 1312).

As above if the mg cam is fine use it; but it’s atleast 30 years old so with have some amount of wear.
If new I’d go billet cam rather than a regrind for longevity.