Anyone Using A Piper 285 Cam On A 1.6?

[Longun 1]

I've just order this cam as I've decided to rebuild my current engine. Just wondering if anyone used them before? They quote a 30Bhp increase on there site, I'm not expecting those figures as they seem a bit high but maybe 15bhp.

 

Just wondered if anyone used them and what they thought?

 

Thanks

[ashlee205gti 1]

I would say less then that, more like 5bhp. Remember the standard cam is near enough the same as a Piper 270. Also take into consideration the AFM, running such a lumpy cam is going to make for a rough idle.

[SimonJ 2]

Pumaracing seems to agree with this on his website. The trade-off on a road engine would be too great and on a competition engine why not go a bit further, say Kent PT27 which seems to be more highly regarded.

[Longun 1]

The head will be getting skimmed as well so that should help. Also going for a set of 40's with any luck so I would have thought I might get more. I'm not too worried about bhp figures as long as the car feels better on the road.

 

Cheers for the info. I didn't realise the cams where so close. I knew I should have ordered the 300's

[Anthony 1,003]

Biggest problem you're going to come across is the need for higher compression and the resulting problems with an unsuitable ignition advance curve.

 

To get that cam to work properly you'll need to bump the compression ratio up I'd say to atleast 10.5:1, but anything above about 10:1 starts giving problems with the standard dizzy - namely that it'll pink badly lower down unless you retard the timing, but that will lose you the gains from top end. Mapped ignition is the only real solution.

 

Carbs will atleast sort the idle out, as I'd imagine that a 285 cam will be pushing the limits of an acceptable idle with the standard AFM based management.

 

If you've not already done so, then getting the head rebuilt might be a wise move as most 8v heads are pretty tired by now - the head is being removed and you're going to have to reshim it anyway, so you might as well get the valve seats recut, check the valve guides, change the stem seals etc. Other option is an XU10 8v head...

[Longun 1]

I'm going to get the head re done later in the year now as Skip can't fit it in. I know it would be worth doing it now but I need the car running so don't have the luxury of time.

 

Stupid question does skimming the head lower or Increase the compression?

 

The head will be re worked but I'm not sure how much yet as I need it quick so anything that needs to be done will. I know the seals need doing so thats on the list.

 

Anthony as always your a welth of information I love this site

Edited January 31, 2006 by Longun

[Rippthrough 98]

I'm going to get the head re done later in the year now as Skip can't fit it in. I know it would be worth doing it now but I need the car running so don't have the luxury of time.

 

Stupid question does skimming the head lower or Increase the compression?

 

The head will be re worked but I'm not sure how much yet as I need it quick so anything that needs to be done will. I know the seals need doing so thats on the list.

 

Anthony as always your a welth of information I love this site

 

 

Increase. You're reducing the volume of the combustion chamber

[rich_w 0]

Increase compression!

[Longun 1]

Ok so I need to make sure i get just the right amount taken off.

 

Cheers

[Martin@PRD 0]

Hi Fella,

 

I ran a Kent rally cam 285 PT22 in my 1.6 Gti about 6 years ago with 20 thou skim to the head, acid dipped, new valve and cam seals, new followers (needed with new cams) and a vernier pulley.

 

As I was saving for the pair of 40 Weber carbs and the inlet manifold, I decided to get it tuned on the standard management so I could drive it to work etc and got 132 bhp, though ran like a leg less dog but with in a month I had it back at the rolling road with the carbs installed and managed 149 bhp and 133 lb/ft torque.

 

Regard the ignition Anthony is right, the advance curve is certainly steeper and unplugging the vacuum advance can help a little though for total piece of mind 3D ignition is the only answer.

 

Martin

[Longun 1]

Thanks to the mod for moving the thread I'm always getting the wrong section.

 

Martin. Thanks for the info I've got new followers as I got the cam kit and I've got a pulley around somewhere from my last 205. I figured I'd get more when the carbs went on but I'm hoping to get those in the next few weeks