15 replies to this topic

[Marlin]

I just picked up a 1275engine with a bunch of spare parts. The whole thing came disassembled in boxes. I don't know much about cam selection. I have two cams. One is a 275 which I understand is a fairly standard cam. The other has 544 etched on the end. If its actually a 544 it would be a pretty wild race style cam wouldn't it? Is it s streetable cam?
Which cam should I use? I want to build a farly quick engine but I want it to be driveable. Should I use one of these or find something else?

[mk1leg]

no its a middle range cam a fast cam was a 569 and a race was 649.....look in the blue or latter yellow bible (D Visard)for cam identification.....

[Marlin]

Would either of those cams be good for a well performing street engine? Which would be better?.....or should I look for something different.

[Marlin]

no its a middle range cam a fast cam was a 569 and a race was 649.....look in the blue or latter yellow bible (D Visard)for cam identification.....

Like I said....I know very little about cam selection...lol

[Marlin]

Should I stick with one of these came or look for something better?
Out of the 2 which is the better cam to use?

[Cooperman]

With an improved and gas-flowed head using 35mm inlet valves and 29.5 mm or 30.5 mm exhaust valves the 544 is a nice cam. The induction system needs to be an HIF44, HS6 or twin HS4's on a good gas-flowed manifold with a good ex. system, typically a Miniflow 1.75" twin-box system.
Power will come in from about 3000 rpm and continue up to around 6800 rpm with peak power at around 6250 rpm, so if the cam is to be used to the full advantage a centre-main bearing strap is a good idea as is a full dynamic crank, rods, flywheel balance.
The 544 was the old BMC 'works' rally camshaft in the 1275, although other cames were used for different events.
Time it in at 110 degrees ATDC.
To keep it 'on the cam' a final drive ratio of no higher than 3.44:1, or even 3.76:1, should be used with standard gear ratios.

[Marlin]

With an improved and gas-flowed head using 35mm inlet valves and 29.5 mm or 30.5 mm exhaust valves the 544 is a nice cam. The induction system needs to be an HIF44, HS6 or twin HS4's on a good gas-flowed manifold with a good ex. system, typically a Miniflow 1.75" twin-box system.
Power will come in from about 3000 rpm and continue up to around 6800 rpm with peak power at around 6250 rpm, so if the cam is to be used to the full advantage a centre-main bearing strap is a good idea as is a full dynamic crank, rods, flywheel balance.
The 544 was the old BMC 'works' rally camshaft in the 1275, although other cames were used for different events.
Time it in at 110 degrees ATDC.
To keep it 'on the cam' a final drive ratio of no higher than 3.44:1, or even 3.76:1, should be used with standard gear ratios.

Great info!
Thanks for the reply.

[bmcecosse]

The 544 is an excellent cam - my favourite ! Yes - provided the engine is set up for it - you won't be disappointed.

[Cooperman]

544, truly a classic old cam for a true classic old car.

[Marlin]

I screwed up. The one cam is a Kent 286 not a 275. Which is the better cam the 286 or the 544. Sorry guys.

Edited by Marlin, 09 January 2013 - 12:12 AM.

[Cooperman]

The 286 is a more modern version of the 544 really. It is slightly more 'lumpy' and gives peak power at c.6400 rpm.
The same comments about FDR and engine build spec apply to 286 as apply to 544. Both are great cams for top-end power.

[Marlin]

I have both.....would you recommend using one over the other?

[Cooperman]

To be honest, if you intend using the car as a road car, rather than for competition, you would be better off with a 266 or MG Metro cam. To get the best from a 544 or the similar 286 you really do need to use high revs which will increase the engine wear rate a lot.

[Vipernoir]

I'd suggest the 544 was one step up from the MG Metro, and the 286 half of one on again from the 544.

[Cooperman]

The 544 is very similar to the 286 in the same was as the MG Metro is similar to the 266. The 'mid-way' cam is the 276 really.
I do know that when I changed from a 544 to a 286 the engine characteristics were ideal on twisty tarmac or gravel with a 3.9:1 FDR and SC CR gearbox.