bmcecosse wrote:I'm sure some will make you an SW5 from new stock - but the ones I have seen have very small base-circles and were regrinds. The general consensus in Mini world these days is heading away from the SW5. As I said -- it's supposedly great for torque, and you are right - I haven't used one due to it's general bad publicity. But if you are happy - that's fine! It's your car.
As the SW5 is only produced by swiftune from billet stock that must mean the ones you are mentioning are copy's of the real thing and as you obviously don't believe me look here
The proof is in the pudding so to speak.
And I have seen good press on it on Midget forums as well in the past so it must just be your local Mini ones that are having issues, preferring 2nd hand MG Metro ones or Swiftune copies I suppose.
Cheers
Kevin
Lovejoy 1968 Smoke Grey Traveller (gone to a new home after13 years)
The Mini forums used to be 'filled' with enthusiasm for that cam - but recently there is more of the 'I'm fed up with the SW5 and looking for soemthing with more life' etc etc. And yes - I think there are copies flying about! I don't think the SW5 was always described as a 'steel billet' camshaft - this latest version the SW5-07 obviously is!
The timing is 242 degrees inlet and exhaust but with high lift of .286" . Compares with AEA 630 cam (standard 1098) of 230 inlet and 252 exhaust with .250 lift. The MG timing is 252 inlet and 268 exhaust again with .250 lift. Most 'tuners' seem to agree that A series engines run best with longer exhaust valve timing than inlet timing........... except seemingly Swifty! But mostly my preference is based on getting a very good MG cam for ~ £20 (although strangely prices seem to have risen lately!) against a new SW5 for about £120 (discounting the followers and pump which will be required in both cases anyway). I'm not in any way saying it's a bad choice of cam - for many it will be ideal!