218 cam

[tvrtony]

Ive just been told about this site & it makes for interesting reading. Can someone please tell me whats involved in changing to the 218 cams and overall costs as Im very interested in more power!!

[Apache]

Have a gander in the engines bit, loads of info on there, talk to V8 Developments (links on home page)

[2 sheds]

Tony
did you want to change it yourself ? Involves removing inlet manifold and front cover, a weekends work, approx 300 quid for parts . or £700ish to have one fitted.
Tim

[tvrtony]

2 sheds said:

Tony did you want to change it yourself ? Involves removing inlet manifold and front cover, a weekends work, approx 300 quid for parts . or £700ish to have one fitted. Tim

[tvrtony]

Sorry Tim sent you an email, have not got the hang of this thing yet. I would be getting a garage to fit it for me. Do I need one of these mod chips as well or is it just a simple change of cams?

[2 sheds]

tvrtony said:

Sorry Tim sent you an email, have not got the hang of this thing yet. I would be getting a garage to fit it for me. Do I need one of these mod chips as well or is it just a simple change of cams?

The 500 would require an ECU chip aswell.
Tim

[just trouble]

Hello TVRTONY I have a Griff 400 and have just had a 218 cam fitted by Peninsula and I can certainly notice the difference. My Griff has completed 63,000 miles and the old cam was worn and so producing slightly less power so if yours has similar mileage go ahead and do it.Cheers.

>> Edited by just trouble on Tuesday 28th October 21:53

[tvrtony]

Thanks guys that was helpful

[pete]

2 sheds said:

The 500 would require an ECU chip aswell. Tim

Would a 500 need a chip to run smoothly, or just to get the best from the 218? I ask because I'm about to have my 500's cam replaced, and am erring toward a 218 or the V8 Developments version of it. Do I need a Mark Adams sesh immediately, or can I leave it until a more convenient time?

Pete

[shpub]

Change the cam type and the ECU needs a reprogramming to make the most of it. Without it the engine may be a real dog or pretty good depending on circumstances. I would plan to do it PDQ.

[RichB]

pete said:

am erring toward a 218 or the V8 Developments version of it.

Is V8 Dev's version of the 218 what is known as the 404 ? Rich...

[pete]

No, it's called the MC1 I think. It's suitable for hydraulic tappets, so nowhere near as wild as the P404.

[2 sheds]

The V8 developments 218 is the MC1 basically a slightly tamed 218, the 404 is the mechanical lifter cam.
If you fit a different cam allow for Marks chip in the budget, very few cars would be happy without, i should have made this clear in my original post.
Tim

[BogBeast]

Does Mr Adams do apprenticeships? sounds like a pretty good business to get into.. (or is 35 too old for an apprenticeship..)

[gerjo]

If it's power you're after, go for the P404 with solid lifters. You won't regret it.

[tvrtony]

Whats the cost of a Mark Adams chip & are there any alternatives to this??

[joospeed]

If you want an alternative to a rechip go for an aftermarket ecu (expensive) or piggy back ecu on your existing unit, beauty is you can lock the distributor and map the ignition aswell .. bonus!

[tvrtony]

Wish I understood what that last bit about piggybacking really meant!!

[gooner]

Tony,

what Steve (shpub) didn't say is that if you are thinking about this sort of thing, or even just wondering how the heating works, and don't know a lot about TVRs then you should definitely get a copy of his book. It's known as 'the bible' on this forum with good reason. There is a good section on tuning including cams and ECUs. You can track down his website through his profile.

I knew nothing about TVRs until I bought my Griff about two months ago and I'd recommend buying the book before you put any oil in the engine, never mind a new cam. Sorry if I am preaching to the converted and no, I've got no connection with Steve at all

[tvrtony]

Thanks for that mate I think I better invest in one, Cheers