Cam replacement - recommended garage

[thegman]

I am planning to replace my cam in the next few months. I have spoken to lots of helpful folks. Basically looking for a cam swap (probably a V8D cam) and associated head work (springs, porting etc). I have been quoted over 2k all-in by a couple of places - this was for cam and your usual head upgrades. I live in East London. Anybody got any recommendations on who to take the car to? Austec is my usual and V8 Developments is obviously an option.

PS - Many thanks to TVR Pablo for this help.

[steve-V8s]

The first thing I would advise is to write down EXACTLY what you want from the car before tasking your chosen “Tuner”. That should save any confusion after the event. If not there is the risk, no in fact the certainty that you will end up spending a Lot more than you intended and have a car that may go a tiny bit better but is horrible to drive. Been there, done that, wish I hadn’t. Would chose the latter of those two by the way.

[thegman]

ok thanks. maybe explaining my thought process would help:

1. Went to rolling road. Car is down on power - drops off after about 4500. Best diagnosis without taking off the head - worn cam (it has done 60k)

2. Replace cam with . This then becomes, replace cam, timing chain, valve springs, lifters.

3. Phone around to get quotes. My normal TVR place say they wouldn't replace the cam without reconditioning (not entirely sure what that included, but definately porting, skimming) the heads. Couple of quotes around the 2.5k mark.

Now all I am really looking for is to recover the top end torque. Still want drivability. Don't really want to spend that much.

What do you think: do I need to bother with head?

[steve-V8s]

That sounds about where my empty bank account / broken crank / without car for several months / lots of oil leaks / still nor really happy with car started. In fact mine went on the rollers after having a tracking setup, and that was the start of the slippery slope. Was quite happy with it before then.

Take care.