Sports Cam or Worn Cam?
Sports Cam or Worn Cam?
Author
Discussion

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Sunday 9th February 2014
quotequote all
Hi guys, something that's been bugging me for a while is the cam setup of my car. Here's a video of how it sounds at least:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ2kGNpSw3k

(Cold start here)

It is quite a bit better now having replaced plugs and when the car is fully warmed up but it's still very shunty at low revs and can suffer from a poor idle, particularly when cold.

The previous owner told me it was fitted with a high lift cam. It even had HC added to the vehicle info in the handbook, which was later cut out because it isn't a HC. The car had an engine rebuild 29,000 miles ago which included a new camshaft @ £128(+VAT) in 2000.

It certainly doesn't feel down on power- it's like a bullet, as soon as you want the power the car squats and gives it. But with this being my first TVR, how do I know?

Basically, how can I tell the difference? Any opinions?

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Sunday 9th February 2014
quotequote all
P.S. I think the previous owner drag raced the car at some point and attended various events with other TVRs. I remember him telling me he'd seen off a 450 before, but then- that's just his word and he was very heavy with his right foot when showing me round the car. wink

Discopotatoes

4,101 posts

251 months

Sunday 9th February 2014
quotequote all
Sounds about right! Check and clean stepper motor and housing.

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Sunday 9th February 2014
quotequote all
Maybe it's just me! I've seen videos of other cars running so smoothly. Stepper motor was cleaned about 12 miles ago biggrin

Alun450

12,424 posts

179 months

Monday 10th February 2014
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Is that full De cat! Sounds very loud.
Mine came fully catted and Ive changed for a de cat Y.
Sounds similar at the front, more tinny rattly sort of thing.
Sounded ok to me.
The cam. From cold is it noisy for a second or two! Lazy follower or worn lobe or stood to long between starts, aka mine!
Looks rather nice though.

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
It's sleeved, pre-cats out main cat in. Main cat is original 21 year old job now though so might be a bit past it's prime laugh

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
After gutting the pre-cats I started the car without the Y-piece in (loads of blankets everywhere obviously to catch all the crap), that was on another planet of loud! Sounded like a tractor though

Alun450

12,424 posts

179 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
Yeah my Y is the original type that's been cut open and the cat removed, it seems much faster but is also lots louder.

So are you concerned by engine mechanical noises or just rough running.

Sounded like a Cobra,, it can't be that bad., lol

Cobra , bloody Eck it must be bed time.

I'm sure the brains will have a listen and point you in the right direction by the morning.



AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
Just worried about the rough running to be honest! That's exactly how I describe it, I love that Cobra burble.

Of course I don't want the car to be down on power though. If it is a sports cam fitted and in good nick then I'd happily keep the drivability issues for the extra oomph. The car is beautiful once I get out of traffic!

Alun450

12,424 posts

179 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
You nutter, that's got me chuckling, people ten miles away must have looked up and wondered if it was thundering,

I had a Renault Master Van years ago and the exhaust manifold blew off just about!
I was young and thought I'd just drive it home, 100 miles!

I got 10 miles down the M6 and stopped at the services. Stone deaf, I got toilet role and stuffed my ears with it, hammered down at 80 all the way.
My ears were ringing for a full 24 hours and I can still hear that noise now!!!! Lol

It makes you realise just how big those bangs inside the engine really are!



Alun450

12,424 posts

179 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
Its far to late but explain what you actually experience regards rough running etc.
mines re built runs lovely and hasn't got a cam issue whatsoever but at low revs/speed I have to ride the clutch a touch to keep the transmission smooth.
Like a ford Sierra!

As usual Alex all the other bits are all ok I presume. Plugs leads cap etc
Do you have a power surge over 3000 revs, if so you've probably got a meaty cam.
He e you got the receipt for the cam, any details numbers etc, try belling the place that provided the cam to identify it!

TV8

3,532 posts

205 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
There are a few bits in the ignition that can affect things, assuming it is all set-up ok? Do you have a mate with a car - try different leads and plug extenders as an example and see if that make any difference. Are you only worried about when the engine is cold?

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
It's recently had new cap, rotor, leads and plugs. As well as ACT smooth bore induction hoses. Only things that haven't been changed are the extenders and the coil. Yeah it's mainly when the car is cold it runs as rough as mud. I'll try and chase up where the cam came from!

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
Oh brilliant, it was from TVR Power and was just billed as "CAMSHAFT." as part of a £2k engine repair and rebuild. 14 years ago! Might contact Powers and ask if they have it on file, might be a long shot though. 14 years: 29,000 miles.

SILICONEKID346HP

14,997 posts

261 months

Monday 10th February 2014
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Stick some thicker oil in ,something like VR1 20w50

Alexdaredevils

5,697 posts

209 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
Does it lope on idle?

Like this http://youtu.be/3nf10BnS6jU

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
Alexdaredevils said:
Does it lope on idle?

Like this http://youtu.be/3nf10BnS6jU
It does when it's cold.

And might try that actually, currently running 5W40 super synth.

SILICONEKID346HP

14,997 posts

261 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
AlexHillTVR said:
It does when it's cold.

And might try that actually, currently running 5W40 super synth.
This might be better .Dave knows a good supplier .

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products-categ.php?id...

AlexHillTVR

Original Poster:

264 posts

162 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
What would I expect to see as the difference between a 10W50 and a 15W60?

Alexdaredevils

5,697 posts

209 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
AlexHillTVR said:
It does when it's cold.

And might try that actually, currently running 5W40 super synth.
Should lope when hot, I'd try 10/60 on the next service