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[Healeys] Selecting a replacement CAM for BJ8

Subject: [Healeys] Selecting a replacement CAM for BJ8
From: bspidell at comcast.net (Bob Spidell)
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 2017 07:17:45 -0700
References: <CAA-dtXag81KPCpeKbiy=ajU4DJ-2rO1_Mai=w0QkpG7ycenpMg@mail.gmail.com> <20170327041550.Q9GEP.11688.root@cdptpa-web12> <3E17D0DD06EE3063.83ced4e6-546f-4184-93e9-558992bd613c@mail.outlook.com> <1646379694.45194543.1492254766630.JavaMail.zimbra@comcast.net>
Hi Dave,

I just finished a rebuild on my BJ8; my engine--with over 100K 
miles--was in similar condition to yours with significant cam lobe and 
lifter wear.  I installed a DWR1 cam; it's more appropriate if you're 
really ' looking for stock or mild tune only.'   The DWR1 is 'slightly 
better than stock', in DWR's word's, and should be most appropriate for 
a street/touring car as the torque curve is lower. I don't think you'll 
gain much if anything with the DWR8 unless you at least use headers and 
port your head--or buy one of DWR's alloy heads--and then additional 
tuning is required.  Steve G.--on this list, I believe--is doing a build 
with a DWR8 cam, but he has headers and the rest of his engine is likely 
tuned for the higher torque/power band.  The DWR1 doesn't want to go 
much over 4,500RPM, but I do mostly long distance touring so I'm usually 
running 2,500RPM, give-or-take.  I do a lot of driving '100 miles from 
nowhere' so I generally go pretty easy on my drivetrain.

DWR recommends their High Capacity oil pump when using their gun-drilled 
cam, unless you're going to spend time over 6,000RPM (in which case 
you'll probably want their billet crankshaft, conrods, pistons, etc.).  
Since you had cam/lifter damage, be sure to clean all components--e.g. 
rocker shaft--thoroughly to remove any debris. My builder was adamant 
about that.  You can use either 'standard' lifters with your current 
pushrods, or get bucket lifters and their pushrods.  I went with 
standard.  I sourced an adjustable, vernier timing set from Australia; 
my builder said the cam did require some adjustment.

DWR Support has a chat facility; they are very responsive but, of 
course, there's a significant time difference.  Whichever cam you use, 
please let us know your results.

Bob

On 4/15/2017 4:12 AM, drmasucci at comcast.net wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Well now that spring is here, I am resuming the rebuild of my BJ8 
> engine. The engine was rebuilt back in 1999, but since I'm doing a 
> full resto of the car, I decided to take a look at the engine. While 
> all other parameters were well within spec, the cam and lifters were 
> damaged. Back then I didn't know much about modern oils and the lack 
> of zinc, and since that's the only part of the engine that didn't do 
> well, I am assuming that must be why.
>
> So I am now trying to decide what to do. I can have my cam reground, 
> or buy new. Since I believe it was already reground and based on the 
> wear, I am thinking maybe new is the best choice. I am looking for 
> stock or mild tune only.
>
> I am not a pro engine builder, but I know the basics and am not new to 
> the process. I know that if I change something like the cam 
> parameters, I need to understand how that affects the rest of the 
> valve train. I looking for guidance on selecting the right components.
>
> I am considering the Welch DWR8 cam and lifter package. I understand 
> that I will have to machine pockets into the block for valve 
> clearance. I will be having the head rebuilt to basic stock parameters 
> as far as the valve gear is concerned. I need to determine how to 
> select the correct pushrods. Since this cam is drilled to feed oil to 
> the lobes, do I need to make other modifications to support that feature?
>
> So I'm looking for some feedback and recommendations from the list. 
> Has anyone followed a similar path on their 6 cylinder Healey?  Any 
> opinions, cautions, or advice would be appreciated. Is this cam my 
> best choice? Also if there are better options to consider I'd like to 
> hear that also.
>
> As usual, thanks in advance for any help.
>
> Dave
> 64 BJ8
> 72 XJ6
> 72 Bonneville
>
>
>
>
>
>
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