How can I check which camshaft I have ?

[dellyend1]

Hi all, I've bought a 4.3 big valve and when going through the documentation for the car I've come across a receipt for a replacement camshaft. The issue is that the receipt gives a camshaft number which is number 51 which I believe is the 4.0 litre standard camshaft ? I think I am right in saying that the 4.3 big valve left the factory with an updated cam from the 4.0 standard.

My questions are :

1 . Why would anyone put a 4 litre cam in a 4.3 big valve - would it make drivability better ?

2. Is the 4 litre cam that much different in performance from what should be in the car ?

3. Is there any quick way of checking to see which cam I have as I am conscious that it may have been described wrong on the invoice and the mechanic did put the correct cam in.

I've got the chance to buy an updated cam from a helpful chap which I intend to do but thought I'd check to see if I can confirm it is a lower spec cam or not that was installed prior to buying a new one.

Thanks all in advance

Jeremy

[ClassiChimi]

There should be some numbers stamped into the end of the cam for identification
I've not removed a cam before so can't say how hard it will be to get at those numbers

Dom at Powers performance built the original 4.3 big valves so he can shed some light as to what cam you should have fitted.

[ChimpOnGas]

As Alun says, you'll find the cam type stamped into the end of the cam itself.

You're looking for something like this:

KC TVR 214 - As fitted to the standard 4.0 litre cars

KC TVR 435 - As fitted to the 4.0HC spec cars and the 5.0 litre

KC stands for Kent Cams who supplied and ground the cams to TVR Power's spec.

I'm not sure what TVR used in the earlier 4.3 cars but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the 435.

Hope this helps in some way, Dave.

[J400GED]

ChimpOnGas said:

As Alun says, you'll find the cam type stamped into the end of the cam itself.

You're looking for something like this:

KC TVR 214 - As fitted to the standard 4.0 litre cars

KC TVR 435 - As fitted to the 4.0HC spec cars and the 5.0 litre

KC stands for Kent Cams who supplied and ground the cams to TVR Power's spec.

I'm not sure what TVR used in the earlier 4.3 cars but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the 435.

Hope this helps in some way, Dave.

I think the number is stamped on the back end of the cam and the only way to access it is to remove the cam itself. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Hope this helps in some way.
Ged