jA40
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by jA40 on Aug 14, 2021 21:25:33 GMT
Within the whole scenario of rebuilding the 1.5 I acquired about a year ago, an engine upgrade is in progress.
I am replacing the camshaft for a 'rally' spec (MGB) profile. Therefore, new followers are also required...........
Therein lies the "issue"
Opinions/experiences/recommendations would be much appreciated on this topic. There appears to be a bewildering choice available, with prices ranging from around 25 pounds for a set of 8, to 50 pounds, then 70 & up to an eye-watering 135!
There is no doubt an element of quality to be considered, regarding price. Normally, cheap means cheap! However, with this particular item, there doesn't appear to be any clear definition between 'budget' & quality.
We are all aware that, in this day & age, most 'budget' products originate from a far eastern country beginning with the letter 'C'. With the price range as wide as it apparently seems, choosing the correct item does not appear to be at all easy!
Answers on a post card please (so to speak)
Jeff.
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Post by ozieagle on Aug 15, 2021 6:59:57 GMT
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jA40
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by jA40 on Aug 16, 2021 18:58:17 GMT
Thanks for the response Herb. Aptfast, I see is an American company, so whilst probably supplying quality components, (as the USA generally does) there is no advantage following that particular route.
Judging by the "non responses" to my request, I can only assume there aren't many folk on this forum rebuilding their own engines.......
Maybe I failed to phrase the post correctly?
Jeff.
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Post by 2robert4 on Aug 16, 2021 20:21:52 GMT
Check out pipercams.co.uk they do kits which comprise of camshaft followers and springs this good quality kit that has been around for a long time (Five minutes on the internet can be very informative if you can be bothered) Hope this helps?
NP
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jA40
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by jA40 on Aug 16, 2021 20:44:39 GMT
Thanks for that. It is in fact Piper that are reprofiling the camshaft for me. Their corresponding followers however, cost over 100 pounds.
As there are many alternatives available, (at various price options) I was actually seeking recommendations and/or experiences on lessor alternatives. Why fork out 100 quid if the same/similar item can be bought for 50?
Jeff
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Post by 2robert4 on Aug 17, 2021 7:28:14 GMT
Who could argue about getting the best value you can, but you have to remember as with most things in life "you get what you pay for" if you are looking for longevity and or performance it is advisable to talk to the people who do this for a living as they can be a useful source of information.
NP
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Post by canuck on Aug 19, 2021 13:09:30 GMT
Judging by the "non responses" to my request, I can only assume there aren't many folk on this forum rebuilding their own engines.......
Hello Jeff, I think a great many rebuild their engines, the issue is these owners don't frequent the forum often. In my garage I consider the camshaft as the brain of the engine. It lives a relatively hard life so you asking about quality is key. A re profiled camshaft is not the 'best' and after welding and grinding the lobes are generally case hardened. Often this is thin, not taken to adequate hardness and can wear prematurely. Cam followers are a key part of this. On my latest 2 engine builds I used the later cup style cam followers with the appropriate longer pushrods. This serves to lighten the valve train if this is part of the equation. Anecdote; Earlier this summer I experienced a catastrophic camshaft/follower failure, (in the passing lane @4500 rpm) where a cam follower broke, and jammed the camshaft resulting in a sheared keyway on the drive sprocket! These were lightened cam followers, (a bad idea) and a re grind camshaft, (another bad idea) . Having the correct hardness on the camshaft lobes and the followers is key to longevity. Proof of incorrect hardness is shown above. Badly pitted face and the camshaft looks similar. A new billet camshaft is also preferred versus a regrind. The APTfast™ followers that Herb mentions are provided in the correct and certified Rockwell hardness, verified by APTfast. I live diagonally on the other side of the continent to APTfast™, with an international border to contend with and a currency exchange rate that is not in my favour. I believe these billet camshafts and hardened followers are a very high quality and will serve me well. I spent my $$. FWIW I was looking at Kent™, Piper™ etc. but sadly not able to due to distance and currency exchange rates. All the best with your build Bruce
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Post by canuck on Aug 23, 2021 15:40:47 GMT
So Jeff have you disappeared?
Are you going to use the tall type cam follower or the short type ones?
B
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jA40
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by jA40 on Aug 23, 2021 17:52:11 GMT
Sorry Bruce. We've just had a long weekend away (function) in the motorhome. It's been quite hectic & I'm not a fan of 'keeping up' with only a phone at my disposal!
Anyway, Piper good enough to advise (from photos sent) that due to wear on the lobes, limited profiles would be available as a re-grind.
The followers I require are the long slotted variety. Thanks for your describing your unfortunate incident. I shall take heed!
Regards, Jeff
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