Robert:
I have a Bolton Lightened flywheel in both Healeys - the BT7 was switched to
a BJ8 flywheel and clutch at the time of installation several years ago -
glad I did that! I'm very happy with the results in both cars - no real
down sides, both cars have a good idle quality, and both pick up revs
slightly quicker.
If you're going to change back to the BJ8 clutch, now would be the time to
do the whole thing. Consider installing a rear crankshaft seal kit at this
time, if you have not already done so.
I elected to stay with the original cam grind profile for the engine rebuild
on my currently under restoration BJ8. The engine has always been a strong
one - good enough power for me. Nothing wrong with going with a 'mild' cam
grind as many others have done. Going too far with the cam grind would be
sort of pointless, unless you intend to do other tuning stuff (carbs, head
work, exhaust, etc. etc.) in order to realize the benefits of the modified
cam.
This is the second rebuild that I have done on my BJ8 engine (it's got
approx. 250,000 miles on it), and the cam was fine for a second regrind.
The lifters were refaced both times as well - nothing wrong with regrinding
and refaceing if the shop doing the work knows their stuff.
Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BT7 tri-carb
BJ8
----- Original Message -----
From: "R. Cobb" <rcobb@earthlink.net>
To: <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 6:43 AM
Subject: Lightened Flywheel and Mild Cams?
My BJ8 is undergoing restoration and a couple of urgent issues suddenly
came to my attention:
A PO had a BJ7 flywheel and pressure plate installed with a BJ8 clutch
disk. From the research I've done (including searching the past couple
years of comments on this list) I've determined that going back to the
BJ8 configuration is desirable. So, the question is whether to get a
lightened flywheel (not a competition unit) from Bill Bolton, the Nocks,
Dennis Welch or other usual sources. It seems that a moderate
lightening will work well and give some more responsiveness without much
sacrifice of smoothness of idle and low rpms. Now that some listers
have been running several configurations of lightened flywheels for a
period of time, are you satisified with the results (and what degree of
lightening was achieved)? What are you suggestions regarding a supplier?
As to the camshaft, mine needs to be replaced. Research indicates to me
that either a stock grind or mild cam will be right for my driving
needs. What kind of experiences have you had? Suggested suppliers? I
have found out that some camshafts are unavailable at the moment due to
production problems. I need to make a decision within a couple days. I
am aware that Elgin Cams and Delta Cams are possibilities if I want the
cam reground. Or Dennis Welch has a mild cam. Any and all suggestions
and responses are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Robert Cobb
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