Camshafts

[Bluerex]

Yep, there a a number of advantages to sticking in P2 class (and a pre 1986 car helps too)

I plan the run the current engine as is for the first few months ( or until i blow it up ) so I can learn how she handles. Then I might look at building something with a bit more oomph.

The engine was re-built by Michael (Canberra VW) when he owned the car a few years ago, it has flat-top high compression pistons and other good stuff already, so hopefully it will be a good enough base to start with. I thought the G cam might be a good match for the Webberas without requiring major surgery to fit.

C

[gotrice]

But they look nice.........

Did you say nice or rice?

[ausgolfer]

Syncro could you tell me how you'd lose power with an adjustable cam gear installed? I assume if you've got one on your engine with the base/standard timing you would have exactly the same horsepower.
Again if you used it to move the peak higher could you not gain more top end power?

[syncro]

Syncro could you tell me how you'd lose power with an adjustable cam gear installed? I assume if you've got one on your engine with the base/standard timing you would have exactly the same horsepower.

Correct.

Do we both agree that if we move the peak lower that we lose power?

Most performance cams are made to have the peak higher. If we could get more performance from changing the cam timing then the cam would be made different from the start. I have seen a performance increase using a standard cam but nowhere as much as changing the cam itself.

Spend the money on a good cam and it won't need to be adjusted.

[VanKronenburg]

Spend the money on a good cam and it won't need to be adjusted.

This is not true at all.

Peak result comes from engine setup not the equipment you use. If anyone could bolt a camshaft in and obtain good results, there would be no need for skilled engine builders.

Above all, the VW 8v engine (particularly of lower capacity) is very difficult to setup and requires a lot of fine tuning. Often, even the mildest cam change will remove a great amount of bottom end torque on this motor. The vernier pulley is vital with any cam swap - as is higher compression, with all camshafts above 280degrees/11mm.

[VanKronenburg]

Oh, and the cam you are considering buying is not a good choice if you have raised the compression.

I wouldn't even install it on a stock engine. It is far too mild.

You should consider at least something with 270degrees or over. Provided you have the driveline to match, that is.

[TassieGTi]

Great advice Vankronenburg!! They don't make adjustable cam gears just for looks!!

[worm]

Great advice Vankronenburg!! They don't make adjustable cam gears just for looks!!

Im sure super cheap auto sell them

I love there stick on exhausts and stick on bonnet scoops

[Dan]

Hi Guys. My first post here, I live in Brisbane and used to be on vortex under gtirabbi.

Great advice Vankronenburg!! They don't make adjustable cam gears just for looks!!

You can say that again. Especially if you up the compression (the cheapest way) by machining off some of the block and head like some people do with the 1600's.

[roccodingo]

Hi Guys. My first post here, I live in Brisbane and used to be on vortex under gtirabbi.

Great advice Vankronenburg!! They don't make adjustable cam gears just for looks!!

You can say that again. Especially if you up the compression (the cheapest way) by machining off some of the block and head like some people do with the 1600's.

Good to see you made your way here daniel, how's the MK1 coming along ??

From what I have been led to believe, the G grind has a low overlap to minimise intake air reversion which upsets the K jetronic the cam was designed for, so if your into the webers, you can likely get away with more agressive cam overlap... HTH...