10 replies to this topic

[42harry]

I have seen many threads and suggestions for the best cam suitable for a 998 in general the SW5, KENT256, KENT266 and MG Metro cams all keep cropping up as popular choices. The mini sport EVOLUTION001 is relatively new one that I’ve seen mentioned.

I’m undergoing a rebuild of my engine that currently has the minisport cam CAM270M in it that was purchase many years ago headless to say that cam is now discontinued and I can’t find any full information on the cam profile.

Does anyone have the Minisport CAM270M spec so I can decide if it was worth the upgrade to a new cam.

I was leaning towards the EVOLUTION001 cam mainly due to the price tag, spec will be standard bore flat top pistons, 12g295 head lightly ported and skimmed to give somewhere around 9.70 compression ratio (I calculated it once but can’t remember exact figures) standard rockers, twin HS2 carbs with K&N cone filters on minispares alloy inlet manifold, fletcher LCB and sportex single box side exit exhaust 1.75 diameter, I have a duplex lightened timing chain to fit and a slightly lightened verto flywheel and clutch I was also considering the mini spares evolution electronic distributor to match the cam.

Don’t mind abit if lumpyness at all, isn’t a daily driver and will be for fun at the weekends and shows mainly

[Cooperman]

I think the Evo001 will be ideal for you.

If you PM 'Johnv' on here he can tell you more as he has virtually the same spec engine in his Mk.2 998 Cooper. 

[42harry]

You haven’t got any spec info on the discontinued Minisport CAM270M have you? Just to try and compare what I have now to what I will be upgrading to? And I will message Johnv thanks

Edited by 42harry, 02 March 2020 - 10:11 PM.

[Cooperman]

I don't have any data on that cam, but the number 270 would seem to indicate a cam with a nominal 270 degree overlap. In fact, I seem to remember that MiniSport cams have a slightly higher overlap than the number indicates. If it is a 270 deg + overlap, that would make it nominally similar to the Kent 276 which is a bit wild for a road-going 998. Of course, the lift figures are not known and these are also important.

In the end, it depends on what engine characteristics you want, be it mid-range torque, or high end power. A cam will always be more 'lumpy' in a smaller engine and what works well in a 1275 may be too 'hot' for a 998 to drive nicely.

I have a road-rally 1990 Cooper with a 1330 engine and I use an MG Metro cam. It is beautifully torquey right through the rev range up to around 6200 rpm and it will rev to around 7000 rpm, although there is nothing to be gained by using those revs.

Contact 'Johnv' about the Evo001 and I think that may well be what you need.

[luismx123]

harry, once you get some information do you mind posting it here? Im in a similar situation with my 998, doing something fairly similar - maybe slightly more extreme but yea. Would be good to compare once all is done :)

[42harry]

I have found full info on the CAM270M minisport camshaft

Duration (In/Ex) : 252/264
Lobe Lift (In/Ex) : 265/280
Timing at 110
38 overlap

Edited by 42harry, 03 March 2020 - 06:04 PM.

[42harry]

I’ve ordered all the parts mentioned above including the Evo001 cam and distributor with an addition of a central oil pickup. They are due for delivery tommorow, I’ll build the engine up potentially this weekend with the exception of the flywheel which will need machining and balancing before fitment. However, it will then be another 2 month before I can install and run the engine whilst I complete the bodywork and respray in the meantime but I will post as soon as the engine is tested ?

[42harry]

A further thought I had was that I currently have single hardened/uprated valve springs in my 12g295 head to match my old Cam. Would I be best keeping these fitted or install double valve springs for my new spec? Or is that more of a question of how the car is used rather than what spec the engine is?

[johnv]

You won't be disappointed with the evo cam

[JCPAustinMini998]

My 998 bored + 0.40 with 10.1 CR has quite the same specs as yours and I really like the the Evo001 cam. 

[42harry]

I've built my engine to the point where all that is left to do is fit the clutch and flywheel once the work and balancing is done to that. With regards to the camshaft I've fitted the EVO001 with new high grade 'Isky' style cam followers from minispares and timed the cam with an offset woodruff key to 105 degrees (2 degrees off the end target of 107 after chain stretch) and set the valve clearances to the EVO001 spec so we should be good to go! 

 

Just have to crack on with the bodywork now so that I have a car to put it in.

 

On a side note I've upgraded just about everything I can with the engine including minispares super water pump, I have a brass/copper 3 core 'S' radiator that was bought from minisport many moons ago along with the original CAM270M cam, my question is would a 2 core aluminium radiator provide better cooling than the 3 core brass/copper one I currently have?