How to tell camshafts apart

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Ansell
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How to tell camshafts apart

Post by Ansell »

Hi.

My friend wants to upgrade to a 276 cam but he asked me how to tell the difference between the standard cam, a 272 or the 276. I told him I wasn't sure so that's why I'm asking. Hes worried that maybe someone will say its a 276 when its actually not. Are there numbers on the cam to distinguish the difference in duration etc?

Thanks guys.
Current:
1997 Golf MK3 GSX (1.8 MP9)

Specs:
79.7kw at 5209rpm and 160nm at 4240rpm (Saichs Dyno)

Modifications:
Stock exhaust with one 50mm-57mm freeflow box.
Standard airbox
Standard cam

Ex: 1970 Beetle 1300 twin-port


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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

Post by Stu »

only way is to measure the lobes/lift - also some cams will have special markings which tell them apart
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Ansell
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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

Post by Ansell »

Ah I see, okay cool. Thanks. So if there are no markings then would I use a dial indicator?
Current:
1997 Golf MK3 GSX (1.8 MP9)

Specs:
79.7kw at 5209rpm and 160nm at 4240rpm (Saichs Dyno)

Modifications:
Stock exhaust with one 50mm-57mm freeflow box.
Standard airbox
Standard cam

Ex: 1970 Beetle 1300 twin-port


If you don't look back at your car after you park it, then you own the wrong car.
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panic-mechanic
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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

Post by panic-mechanic »

You cannot measure a loose cam using a dial gauge. Can only be done on an engine where it is installed.
But all aftermarket cams will have a marking on the one end showing it's duaration. If not then walk away as you won't know.
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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

Post by Dale »

panic-mechanic wrote:You cannot measure a loose cam using a dial gauge. Can only be done on an engine where it is installed.
But all aftermarket cams will have a marking on the one end showing it's duaration. If not then walk away as you won't know.
To add to OP's question, Would you know if said cam is intended for hydraulic or solid lifter setup?
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Ansell
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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

Post by Ansell »

Thanks Panic.
Current:
1997 Golf MK3 GSX (1.8 MP9)

Specs:
79.7kw at 5209rpm and 160nm at 4240rpm (Saichs Dyno)

Modifications:
Stock exhaust with one 50mm-57mm freeflow box.
Standard airbox
Standard cam

Ex: 1970 Beetle 1300 twin-port


If you don't look back at your car after you park it, then you own the wrong car.
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PapaJo
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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

Post by PapaJo »

Dale wrote:
panic-mechanic wrote:You cannot measure a loose cam using a dial gauge. Can only be done on an engine where it is installed.
But all aftermarket cams will have a marking on the one end showing it's duaration. If not then walk away as you won't know.
To add to OP's question, Would you know if said cam is intended for hydraulic or solid lifter setup?
Aftermarket VW cams as Panic said has engraving on telling you the duration. Reputable cam suppliers put a "S" for solid lifter or "H" for hydraulic lifter cam behind the cam duration.

A solid lifter cam also has a larger base circle and lobes than a hydraulic cam.
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Ansell
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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

Post by Ansell »

Thanks PapJo, now ive learnt something new.
Current:
1997 Golf MK3 GSX (1.8 MP9)

Specs:
79.7kw at 5209rpm and 160nm at 4240rpm (Saichs Dyno)

Modifications:
Stock exhaust with one 50mm-57mm freeflow box.
Standard airbox
Standard cam

Ex: 1970 Beetle 1300 twin-port


If you don't look back at your car after you park it, then you own the wrong car.
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Psycho8v
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Re: How to tell camshafts apart

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