Help With A Camshaft Please

[JoeWright 1]

Hello all,

So my new car unfortunately isn't exactly how it was described and I need quite a bit of engine work done to it. One of the jobs needed is the camshaft. The car is a standard 1.9 gti from 1991 with a K and N air filter. Can any of you give me some advice as what camshaft to go for, as it needs replacing I thought about a higher lift cam but I obviously don't want to ruin the way the car runs and I have no plans to modify it further so don't need a race cam or anything like that, maybe something just a bit nicer. Thanks for your advice, sorry I am a total beginner when it comes to these cars.

Many thanks

Joe

[Anthony 1,003]

I assume that this is a standard non-CAT 1.9 model?

 

If so, I wouldn't advise going for anything above about 280 degrees or so as the idle quality will deteriorate considerably and the low rpm performance will suffer - the AFM doesn't like the pulses from long duration cams and the engine doesn't really have enough compression either. A typical "fast road" cam (around 270-275 degrees) will work, if a little lumpy at idle, but don't expect dramatic increases in power.

 

To be honest, having had various 8v's running standard management, I would suggest leaving the standard camshaft in there unless you're planning on more significant modifications - the standard cam is pretty hot as standard compared to most cars after all. Concentrate on getting the engine running as it should - they're usually poorly setup and/or running tired/worn management/ignition components and as a result well down on power and poorly behaved.

[JoeWright 1]

 

I assume that this is a standard non-CAT 1.9 model?

 

If so, I wouldn't advise going for anything above about 280 degrees or so as the idle quality will deteriorate considerably and the low rpm performance will suffer - the AFM doesn't like the pulses from long duration cams and the engine doesn't really have enough compression either. A typical "fast road" cam (around 270-275 degrees) will work, if a little lumpy at idle, but don't expect dramatic increases in power.

 

To be honest, having had various 8v's running standard management, I would suggest leaving the standard camshaft in there unless you're planning on more significant modifications - the standard cam is pretty hot as standard compared to most cars after all. Concentrate on getting the engine running as it should - they're usually poorly setup and/or running tired/worn management/ignition components and as a result well down on power and poorly behaved.

 

 

[JoeWright 1]

Hi, thankyou, it's driving me mad all the different stuff you hear and read. My mechanic said I could do with a new camshaft, he's not one to rip me off as he is a friend so I thought I would look about. It's a non cat model that I am not planning on modding at all, I just want it to drive nicely. After searching for ages I can't see a standard cam for them, closest i've found is a Piper 270 but i'm quite happy with the standard one if I can find it.

Thanks again

Joe

[Anthony 1,003]

What's wrong with the current cam? Worn/damaged?

 

Easiest thing for a standard cam is to pickup a used one from here - generally 1.9 cams are in good condition providing that the engine has been well maintained (1.6 ones seem more prone to wear for some reason though).

 

Piper 270 is fractionally hotter than standard, but not enough to make any significant difference. It'll run fine on an otherwise standard car, but is dubious value in terms of gains for the money unless you pick one up cheaply second hand.

 

Note that 8v engines don't have hydraulic tappets but instead valve clearances are set using shims, so this will need checking / re-shimming with any replacement cam. If the existing cam is worn, check the condition of the buckets carefully as they'll likely be knackered too, at least on the worn lobe(s), and the spray bar for any blockages.

[Alan77 78 1 Cars]

As usual, top advice from Anthony...

Try to post a wanted ad if you can. As said, standard 1.9 cams are pretty durable and it could just be the lifters and shims needing a check.

Don't rush to fork out £200-£250 on a cam. (unless you're flush and feel the need for nice new 205 bits...)

[borufus 17 4 Cars]

I've got a recon head spare if you need it? Thanks

[JoeWright 1]

Thanks everyone. Ill get some more details from my mechanic regarding the condition of my cam and go from there. Im just trying to get it running as close to it was when it left the factory with standard spec. Ill keep you posted. Thanks

Joe