Discussion
They have a tendency to chew the camshafts. 50k is a bit pessimistic, 60k is more common.
BUT, it depends a lot on the quality of the oil and the frequency of oil changes and how the car is driven and used. Cold starts are not good and nor is starting and leaving it to tick over to warm up. It needs some revs to circulate that oil.
When I sold my 350i at close to 100k miles it was on the original cam shaft. Every service I took the valley gasket off to inspect the camshaft, expecting the worst, but it was always OK. Same applies to my current Griff, albeit at a slightly lower mileage. So they “can” fail at 60k miles (&probably 50k miles) but that does not mean they definitely will do so.
BUT, it depends a lot on the quality of the oil and the frequency of oil changes and how the car is driven and used. Cold starts are not good and nor is starting and leaving it to tick over to warm up. It needs some revs to circulate that oil.
When I sold my 350i at close to 100k miles it was on the original cam shaft. Every service I took the valley gasket off to inspect the camshaft, expecting the worst, but it was always OK. Same applies to my current Griff, albeit at a slightly lower mileage. So they “can” fail at 60k miles (&probably 50k miles) but that does not mean they definitely will do so.
Pulled an original cam from a 4.0 HC with the 500 cam profile and the wider 116 LSA etched on rear for authenticity (original with no invoice for ever being renewed) and only 2 lobes showed early onset of wear inc their associated lifters 100k + miles , oil and filter changes crucial and no stupid starting and allowing to idle up to temp before moving off etc 
the rest is with god 
short lived generally but with the right care long lived
the rest is with god short lived generally but with the right care long lived I've owned ummm 6 RV8 cars (350I, 390 SE, 450 SE, 420 SEAC and two Griff 500's) covering something well over 200K miles in total and never had to change a cam. A couple have needed engine rebuilds (original cams were reused) for other reasons. As ever, I suspect cam wear all depends on quality of servicing and how the cars are driven from cold.
All good feedback thanks- interesting on the cold start and drive: currently I generally start and go but try and keep under 2500rpm until up to temp. Serving once a year through one of our well known TVR specialists so no worries there. Guy who had it before me a definite plodder not a pounder!!
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