32 replies to this topic

[runkthepunk]

I collected my new engine (unused since rebuild) this weekend.

The cam in the block is a Kent 286 I was going to use a Swifttune SW5

The previous posts on the the subject of the 286 suggests it is a bit of a pig at idle and low speeds but the Swiftune is supposedly the opposite. I bought the Swiftune as a replacement for the standard cam to use in a 1275 engine but now the engine I have is +40

I was wondering if the +40 engine I bought would have been built specifically to utilise the 286 or can I still fit the SW5?

1275 +40
Early Big Valve Metro Head with single springs
3:44 gearbox and standard Dif

I like a 'spirited' drive but am more interested in going round corners briskly than going fast in a straight line although a faster pace than standard is wanted.

I do use the motorway every now and then for 500 mile round trips back up north but mostly pootling around the local area

Any advice appreciated

Edited by runkthepunk, 13 February 2012 - 11:40 AM.

[icklemini]

i would personally go for the SW5...

[Tom7]

The 286 is a great cam, idle isn't bad on a 1275 either. An SW5 has less duration, if the 286 is already fitted I would have thought you'd be better sticking with it, you'll be surprised how torquey it is.

[racingbob]

i would have thought if the engine not modified like - standard mg metro head
you be better sticking to the lower cam
i take it a sw5 is like a kent 266 or mg metro

mines got mg metro and is very nice

[runkthepunk]

The engine is +40 so a 1310cc the head is as standard on the early MG metro engines

I want driveability but don't want it to be so tame that it feels just like a stanard 1275cc with standard cam. Its cost quite a lot of money (for me at least) so want it to be noticeably different

I was worried that the spec of the engine was built around the 286 thus making the SW5 no good for the engine

I would love to try both but can't justify fitting an engine running it in then changing cams and then maybe changing back again if I prefer the first one. way too much effort!

[callyspoy]

I have a bored out 1098 with a 286 cam in it.
The cam is not really appropriate for my engine due to the powebands being conflicting (6000 and below revs only on a 1098),
BUT
It doesn't feel lumpy at idle at all. It is very well behaved at low revs and is quite happy toplod along if you so desire.
My point (when i get to it!) i think you'll be fine with a 286 on a 1275, especially with the big valve head et al.
Oh...mine pulls scarily well for a small bore, so i'd imagine it'd be great fun in yours!

[jamiestevenbell]

i have a 286cam in my 1293 engine and i think its great it flies and its very torque'y, personaly i dont think its too bad in traffic, i cant fault it

[racingbob]

i think that 286 is not right for that spec you have

why would you put a 286 cam in in an unmodified head

AND single valve springs, wouldnt put it in mine

[runkthepunk]

i think that 286 is not right for that spec you have

why would you put a 286 cam in in an unmodified head

AND single valve springs, wouldnt put it in mine

Thats why I asked if the engine would have been built around the cam. I was glad to see it was the big valve head but to my eye everything else on the head is standard. It has single springs but unfortunately I do not know the 'strength' of the springs so they could be uprated ones.

The kent cam is new so just want to be sure before assembling the engine that it is better to run the much much tamer (according to most) SW5 and forgetting the 286

I believe the SW5 is less aggressive than both the 266 and MG Metro cams but it is closest to the performance of those profiles. Not 100% sure though as people suggest that it is just as good as those two despite the smaller figures for it.

Edited by runkthepunk, 13 February 2012 - 02:08 PM.

[jamiestevenbell]

why not sell the two cams you have and buy a kent 276 cam as thats in the middle between the 286 and the sw5

[icklemini]

"tamer" = more fun at lower revs with bags of torque...

its a short duration high lift cam: excellent for the road where revs are 'low'.

bags of torque, good with emissions.

runs out of grunt from 6rpm... but seriously if you run a road car at 'high' revs all the time then how long do you think its gonna last?

[runkthepunk]

"tamer" = more fun at lower revs with bags of torque...

its a short duration high lift cam: excellent for the road where revs are 'low'.

bags of torque, good with emissions.

runs out of grunt from 6rpm... but seriously if you run a road car at 'high' revs all the time then how long do you think its gonna last?

Thanks thats a good reply. I presume you use the SW5 yourself then? if so what size is your engine? and what are your power figures? if you know them.

I rarely rev over 6K as in the current engine it would be pointless anyway so I am happy to have more torque.

I will probably go with the SW5 then

Edited by runkthepunk, 13 February 2012 - 02:38 PM.

[l05bhpmini]

personally i think the sw5 cam is better than 286 especially seeing as the engine is only 1310cc. 286 or higher ideally want to be used in 1380 or bigger with a 'worked' head.

[Tom7]

Use the SW5, sell me the 286 :)

[mini-luke]

personally i think the sw5 cam is better than 286 especially seeing as the engine is only 1310cc. 286 or higher ideally want to be used in 1380 or bigger with a 'worked' head.

Worked head I agree on, the extra 70cc however isn't going to make any noticeable difference on the road,