9 replies to this topic

[MiniLuke]

Hi, I have got a "new" cam to go in my 998 engine build. I have been told it has been machined to a "Cosworth A2" profile. Does anyone know what this means, and will it be good for my 998 engine build. Can't find anything on Google. Thanks

[jaydee]

As far as i know the corworth A2 is a cam profile used on the Ford cortina, if you can have the timing figures i can tell what is like..

[CobraV8]

Yes - A2 was for a 1600 escort / cortina motor

[lrostoke]

No idea if any good, but here's the specs

follow the list down

http://freespace.vir...andham/cams.htm

[jaydee]

40/76 inlets and 76/40 exhausts..lift 0.35" (..but which rocker ratio gives that?)..
Too aggressive for a 998.
Opening timing before TDC doesnt cope with closing at 76 after BDC.. for a mini cam should be something more like 55/76 afaik...
Are they sure that cam profile is suitable for A sereis engines?
Why not reprofiling the cam to a proved profile?

[Cooperman]

That takes me back. I had the A2 cam in a Cortina GT Mk.1 back in 1967. Even with it bored-out to 1558 cc the engine was very lumpy. That profile in a 998 would be a disaster for road use.

[MRA]

Something different I guess ....... the results will be interesting to say the least.

[Cooperman]

Just a thought, but is it really to the Cosworth A2 profile/timing, or is it a Mini Sport CA2 cam? that's a much 'softer' cam altogether if my info is orrect.

[MiniLuke]

Thanks for the replies.

I am going to pass on your comments to the guy I got it from and see what he has to say.

His original instructions stated that I need to use the standard sprocket with no offset woodruff and use specific inlet and outlet clearances.

I suspect it is probably a "softer" cam, as I can't see why he would have recommended it otherwise. He knew I was building a fairly standard 998.

Is there anyway to tell what has been done to it by looking at/measuring it?

[Cooperman]

Can't understand why you would use the standard sprockets with any manufacturing tolerances as existing and not time it in accurately to an ideal figure using offset key or vernier sprocket. Of course you set the valve clearances to suit, but you do that anyway.
To my way of thinking, to fit an 'unknown' cam and just hope it works in providing better performance is rather a long-shot and if you don't like it when it's all installed and running it's a big job to take it all out and fit something better. More sensible, surely, to fit a cam of known origin and specification to begin with. One that will meet your requirements for the use of the car. For a 998 with a better head and higher comp ratio the MG Metro or Kent 266 are both super cams.