[Mgs] seeking a camshaft

[melfrankus at carolina.rr.com]

Hey folks, esp Max;  I really don't know what it is but I want one, or do I require 2 for best performance.....Mel 71mgbGT  (every other day driver quality)

---- Max Heim <mvheim at sonic.net> wrote: 
> The cams are bundled with springs because special springs are required for
> both high RPM operation and for high lift cam lobes. The retainers are
> matched to the springs.
> 
> It seems obvious that a "bespoke" cam is going to be more expensive than a
> mass-manufactured pattern -- exactly how much more expensive is really a
> matter of what the market will bear (and apparently it will bear quite a
> lot). But remember, you are paying for the vendor's development costs and
> expertise (although in the case of MGB cam grinds one might reasonably
> suspect that development reached a plateau several decades ago).
> 
> But really, one might ask why you are set upon one of these "performance"
> cams, when (if you'll pardon my saying so) you don't seem to know much about
> them. I would suspect (or, hope might be a better word) that at least some
> of these products might have notably different characteristics. At the very
> least, some would be optimized for high rpm operation, others would strive
> to increase mid-range torque, and others might focus on low-end grunt.
> Without the benefit of variable valve timing technology, you can't expect a
> cam to deliver more than one of these improvements -- it's all a big
> compromise. It's not like there is some kind of magic formula for cams that
> was recently discovered and can improve performance across the board
> compared to the original equipment. Anytime you add performance at one end
> of the RPM range, you are taking something away elsewhere -- it's all a big
> compromise (to be fair, modern dual-pattern cam designs can have some net
> benefits -- I'm not sure if this technology has reached LBCs yet).
> 
> Unlike the advertising I see for American V8 hot-rod cams, those targeted at
> British car owners seem loath to reveal any sort of specs. The first thing
> I'd do is try to get a cam card for each of these products, and compare them
> on paper. Then I might talk to a knowledgeable engine builder to see which
> might suit my intended purposes.
> 
> One also has to keep in mind that the engine is a system -- you may not reap
> all of your expected performance without upgrading other components
> (ignition, valves, weight of rotating assembly). Anyway, lots to think
> about...
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Max Heim
> '66 MGB GHN3L76149
> If you're near Mountain View, CA,
> it's the primer red one with chrome wires
> 
> 
> on 9/27/11 5:41 PM, jevans at mydb3.com at jevans at mydb3.com wrote:
> 
> > Listers - Help!  My engine rebuild project (1977 MGB) has stalled for lack
> > of a camshaft.  Anyone out there with an unused:  Crane 342-0010, Moss
> > 222-270, Kent 714, Piper BBP270, or APT VP11 - please contact me off list.
> >  Also, I wonder if any of the gurus on this list can educate a dumbo like
> > me as to why a new stock grind MGB camshaft retails for under $200 while
> > the mild performance grind units are over $400?  Maybe the grinding stones
> > are special for these units?  And why are they bundled with springs,
> > retainers, etc which are not demanded for stock grinds?  And, for that
> > matter, why is an 8 lobe MGB camshaft priced at over twice the cost of a
> > 16 lobe American V8 unit?  Any sensible answers to these questions would
> > be highly appreciated.
> > Jim Evans, Chicago
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