Camshaft Query

[jaguar68]

Hi Guys,

I intend to build a mildly tuned 1098cc engine using a 12G295 cylinder head, HIF 38 carb, water heated inlet and LCB exhaust manifold.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to the camshaft required, if a change is needed. I've been told that the Piper 270 cam won't fit in the block, and Piper don't do a cam which will fit.

Surely there must be a suitable cam for the Minor block?

Regards

John

[PSL184]

Stick with the standard 1098 cam - It's already a good 'un

[bmcecosse]

Any A series cam will fit! Who told you it won't? The 1098 cam is pretty good - but an MG Metro cam is much better, and is very much the one to use. Hard to find these days. There is also a cam that was used in the 997 Mini Cooper - the 2A948 cam. It's slightly better than the standard (AEA 630) cam - but also hard to find. I suggest a '270' cam will be a bit too 'cammy' for a 1098, which is NOT a high revving engine. Don't take it beyond 6000 rpm - this is best achieved by NOT fitting fancy/double valve springs! A crankshaft damper is pretty much essential for a modified engine. the only 'problem' with camshafts is that many were made with a different drive arrangement for the oil pump - all you need to do is get an oil pump that matches the cam! On a 1098 engine you need a 'short shaft' pump - so that excludes any spider drive cams, since spider drive pumps were only ever made long shaft, to suit the 1275 block. It's not impossible to change the shaft in a spider pump - but not usually worth the hassle. While the 295 head is good (provided you skim it 80 thou) - the 940 head is much better, and doesn't need skimming. It 'may' need the exhaust valves sinking by 40 thou - but that's easy enough, and many get by without doing it! BUT you must measure carefully - it's not just a case of trying it and hoping for the best !!