Changing Cams

[carsy]

The usual suspects are listed on this page;

http://www.g33.co.uk/tuning.htm

TVR`s default cam tended to be the Kent 214.

[QBee]

As per milky400's comment, and given where you are, I would get a second opinion from Mat Smith at Downham Market. That noise is so exhaust manifold, and granted you are in cam territory mileage-wise, he will know in seconds if manifolds are your issue. Save you most of £1000 if it is.

[TVRJAS]

I was in the process of arriving at Powers and a mechanic was standing outside,i got out the car and he said manifold gaskets? I said i don't know... He said... it is! without even opening the bonnet.

[semaj]

Wonder why they took the engine out instead of lifting the heads, then the cam condition could have been checked as well!! These 'specialists' sure know how to charge!

[domV8]

SILICONEKID345HP said:

domV8 said:

...on the assumption you knew what the power was beforehand, you used the same rolling road, and tested it on the same day...

Everyone knows what power the whole range makes in standard form .

Daz, please don't tell me you actually stand by that comment..?!

[Tyre Tread]

Milky400 said:

Offords? I'd get a second opinion...

Definitely!

[QBee]

semaj said:

Wonder why they took the engine out instead of lifting the heads, then the cam condition could have been checked as well!! These 'specialists' sure know how to charge!

The one thing you can rely on is TVR Power's integrity. So there must have been a good reason why.

I have never done either job, but do seem to remember that the morning we took young Alex's engine out we amateurs had it out of the car in about an hour. Heads off requires heads refitting, possibly skimming, new gaskets etc etc.
When my TVR guy took my heads off when removing the manifolds it was because he was about to change the heads anyway. He had planned just to remove the manifolds first to get the 4>1 junction leaks fixed, then change the heads the following week, so he just combined the two jobs when the bd bolts started shearing.

[AceOfHearts]

Where near Cambridge are you? I am in Biggleswade, if you are near by I don't mind having a drive down and lending a ear if you like. I have had the manifold gaskets go a couple of times on mine so am used to looking for it

[QBee]

Offords has changed recently, for the better. I have a friend (no, really!) with a Tuscan who is pleased with their service on that and his Cobra.

But for me Mat Smith is the best TVR expert in the area, calls it as it is, doesn't try to generate work and lives and breathes TVRs. Mine is a joy to drive on road and on track thanks to his care and expertise.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

So returning to cam choice, for fast road use it seems to be a toss-up between MC1 and Stealth. Is there much to choose between them?

[domV8]

...or TVR885...

[db484bhpv8]

...or real steel Typhoon...

[phazed]

db484bhpv8 said:

...or real steel Typhoon...

This cam works really well, especially if your pistons haven't the cut outs for the high lift cams.

[db484bhpv8]

phazed said:

db484bhpv8 said:

...or real steel Typhoon...

This cam works really well, especially if your pistons haven't the cut outs for the high lift cams.

as we know mine are.
Smooth idle, rarely shunts at very low rpm, great mpg, power comes on strong from 3000, peaks at 6000 but happy to hit the rev limiter at 6200. I do have MS2 that helps i guess.

[Milky400]

QBee said:

But for me Mat Smith is the best TVR expert in the area, calls it as it is, doesn't try to generate work and lives and breathes TVRs. Mine is a joy to drive on road and on track thanks to his care and expertise.

what he said

[BlackpoolRock]

domV8 said:

...or TVR885...

This would get my vote. TVR Powers 885 really impressed me.

[swallet]

BlackpoolRock said:

This would get my vote. TVR Powers 885 really impressed me.

I have an 885 cam courtesy of TVRPOWER, only 500 miles into the run in but good smooth pickup form low down and pretty good road manners. WIll be getting it dynoed in OCtober so watch this space.

[EGB]

Anybody mentioned the Stealth cam? If the cams for a RV8 had better deeper case hardening we would not need to change them at 50-100 K miles. Plus a good oil with Zinc to reduce cam lobe tappet interface friction. Example Penrite full synthetic 15W-60 with 0.114 percent Zinc. Castrol Edge 10W-60, 0.100 percent, but expensive.

[QBee]

EGB said:

Anybody mentioned the Stealth cam? If the cams for a RV8 had better deeper case hardening we would not need to change them at 50-100 K miles. Plus a good oil with Zinc to reduce cam lobe tappet interface friction. Example Penrite full synthetic 15W-60 with 0.114 percent Zinc. Castrol Edge 10W-60, 0.100 percent, but expensive.

Stealth cam. There, I've said it.

And I have one. It gives my 500 great drivability all across the rev range, with loads of grunt out of corners. Very suitable for a fast road driver who loves track days.

I use Shell Helix Racing 10w60 fully synthetic. It can be bought from Germany via Fleabay, for £105 for a 20 litre drum. Those of use running extended sumps use 9.5 litres per oil change. The reference number is 281376960846

Edited by QBee on Saturday 23 August 20:41

[EGB]

QBee said:

Stealth cam. There, I've said it.

And I have one. It gives my 500 great drivability all across the rev range, with loads of grunt out of corners. Very suitable for a fast road driver who loves track days.

I use Shell Helix Racing 10w60 fully synthetic. It can be bought from Germany via Fleabay, for £105 for a 20 litre drum. Those of use running extended sumps use 9.5 litres per oil change. The reference number is 281376960846

Edited by QBee on Saturday 23 August 20:41

Extended sump? What's that. Did Mat make it?

Edited by EGB on Saturday 23 August 21:20