7 replies to this topic

[Kernal H]

Hi there!

I've got a Kent 544 Cam up for sale. However, I am rather confused as to which engine it's for. Kent describes it as being for a 1275, as did the seller I bought it off (he apparently had it in a grasstrack mini). Since then 2 engine builders have told me it's the 998, 1 of them saying the cam was at fault for my lack of oil pressure. He said it was because the Cam was too short for the block, and therefore the pin drive on the oil pump wasn't properly connected to the cam. SO which engine can this cam happily live in? I don't want to give inaccurate info to the buyer who'll have the same trouble as me.

by the way it was a 1275 GT block if that makes any difference to the fitting.

Please help me clear this up!

[Matrix]

erm...both! the cams are the same length for both 998cc & 1275cc

[Retro_10s]

If i remember correctly the 544 was a BL dept camshaft originally - and is an excellent fast road cam for a 998 if other areas have been worked - adding a 12G940 - better still a 295- head for example - It's fairly cammy but is definatley one to put a smile on your face and stain in you trousers :erm:

[minipac]

hi matrix. not douting what you say but i have a grass track car and the engine builder thats doing my engine said he could put a 1275 cam in my 998 block but he would have to put a spacer in between the cam and the oil pump.
he said something about the cam clearence

[Nightrain]

That's because earlier A series 998's had a shorter block, the A+ engines where all the same size. Sounds to me like they've used the wrong oil pump for the block/cam combination.
Is it A series or A+ ? and which oil pump has been used if it is A series ?

[mini7boy]

That's because earlier A series 998's had a shorter block, the A+ engines where all the same size. Sounds to me like they've used the wrong oil pump for the block/cam combination.
Is it A series or A+ ? and which oil pump has been used if it is A series ?

I don't remember the details, so you should check Vizard's book, but there is some combination of parts that requires a spacer be installed between the oil pump and block. Just trying to remember, I think it had to do with fitting a later oil pump on a small-bore block. I've never read/heard about a cam being too short. The 544 cam is well documented in Vizard and can be used in both 1275 and smaller engines. Oil pressure should be an all or none deal, not a "low on oil pressure" deal due to the cam length. This whole idea sounds suspicious to me.

[Nightrain]

I don't remember the details, so you should check Vizard's book, but there is some combination of parts that requires a spacer be installed between the oil pump and block. Just trying to remember, I think it had to do with fitting a later oil pump on a small-bore block. I've never read/heard about a cam being too short. The 544 cam is well documented in Vizard and can be used in both 1275 and smaller engines. Oil pressure should be an all or none deal, not a "low on oil pressure" deal due to the cam length. This whole idea sounds suspicious to me.

The cam can only be too short for the oil pump used ! So what combination have you got ?

[Kernal H]

Ok... that kind of makes sense. A 544 will fit a all A plus but not the A series, however it will fit a 998 A series. Right?

The Cam was in a 1275 A series GT engine probably from around '71.

Thanks for the help