Camshaft Selection
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- Posts: 17
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Camshaft Selection
Hi All,
I was wondering if you get help me regarding a camshaft. I am currently having a mk2 1300 riley engine rebuild for my mini, which is very similar to the austin 1300gt engine and the mk3 S. It is going to be rebored to 1310 as the bores are rusty. I am going to keep the same crank and conrods as they are good spec originally. There is some wear on the original cam so was advised to change it, it will have its original 12g940 head but will be cleaned and gas flowed and polished ports. I was thinking a Swiftune SW8 cam would this be a good option? it will be set up on twin inch and a halfs.
many thanks
I was wondering if you get help me regarding a camshaft. I am currently having a mk2 1300 riley engine rebuild for my mini, which is very similar to the austin 1300gt engine and the mk3 S. It is going to be rebored to 1310 as the bores are rusty. I am going to keep the same crank and conrods as they are good spec originally. There is some wear on the original cam so was advised to change it, it will have its original 12g940 head but will be cleaned and gas flowed and polished ports. I was thinking a Swiftune SW8 cam would this be a good option? it will be set up on twin inch and a halfs.
many thanks
- LarryLebel
- 998 Cooper
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Re: Camshaft Selection
What kind of driving are you doing? A long duration cam has no low end torque, so if you're puttering around on secondary roads don't go there.
- MiNiKiN
- 1275 Cooper S
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Re: Camshaft Selection
Do you know the camshaft comparison chart? Should be available somewhere in the net.
Given the fact you seem to be only mildly modifying your engine I wouold prob. go for a mild- or fast road cam.
Examples:
Minispares Evolution 001
Swiftune SW5
Kent 266
Given the fact you seem to be only mildly modifying your engine I wouold prob. go for a mild- or fast road cam.
Examples:
Minispares Evolution 001
Swiftune SW5
Kent 266
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- 1275 Cooper S
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Re: Camshaft Selection
Further to Magicwand asking..i am in the same situation having run 266 & 286 Kent Cams in 1275cc road cars .. both of those Kent Cams i find to be very acceptable because i like to use the gears / revs.. now with another S Engine in rebuild i also need to make a cam choice..Can i ask anyone who has a Swiftune SW8 Cam fitted .. What is your SW8 Engine Road Car Like to Drive 

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Re: Camshaft Selection
Thank you for all your reply’s. Maybe the swiftune sw5 is the way to go then? It will be used as a fast road car not going to be doing any long motorway trips in it.
Thanks all I’ll let you know what I get

Thanks all I’ll let you know what I get
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- 1275 Cooper S
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Re: Camshaft Selection
The AC Dodd cams are supposed to be good, I've heard positive reports from people that have fitted them, but whatever, the golden rule is always, always - don't over cam it, you'll ruin the driving experience.
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- Minigman
- 998 Cooper
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Re: Camshaft Selection
You won’t go too far wrong with the AC Dodd RS cam.
ACD-RS (Road Sport)
Moving on in the range, the Road sport cam is placed to provide a little more bite to your driving requirements. Still retaining that factory smooth idle quality, improvements have been made by maximising opening rates and lift. Couple this to only a touch more duration, the modern high lift short duration principle is maximised to give you the most power available still with retaining a smooth idle. This cam is happy to pull from 1250rpm to 6000rpm, and would suit the driver who would like to press-on when the mood takes. Fit this cam in your build to provide good economy balanced with the need for power. This would suit engine power levels from 70hp to 95hp(dependant on spec) Recommended CR 9.5 to 9.75:1. Optimum carburetion Twin HS2’s upto 80hp, to Twin HS4 SU’s upto 90 hp. Ultimate road cam for 998 based engines. Suggested spring set Minispares AEA -525.
Real world example build - In a typical example build (1293 to 1330cc) this cam will deliver 73 to 75bhp with a stock head and rockers and 81 to 83lbft of torque with a single HIF44 SU and a typical stage 1 kit fitted. Power would rise to a typical 86 to 88bhp and 92lbft of torque with the addition of a gas flowed head and 1.3 rockers. Add 1.5 rockers on the same engine, and power climbs to 97 to 100bhp and 95 to 97lbft of torque.
ACD-RS (Road Sport)
Moving on in the range, the Road sport cam is placed to provide a little more bite to your driving requirements. Still retaining that factory smooth idle quality, improvements have been made by maximising opening rates and lift. Couple this to only a touch more duration, the modern high lift short duration principle is maximised to give you the most power available still with retaining a smooth idle. This cam is happy to pull from 1250rpm to 6000rpm, and would suit the driver who would like to press-on when the mood takes. Fit this cam in your build to provide good economy balanced with the need for power. This would suit engine power levels from 70hp to 95hp(dependant on spec) Recommended CR 9.5 to 9.75:1. Optimum carburetion Twin HS2’s upto 80hp, to Twin HS4 SU’s upto 90 hp. Ultimate road cam for 998 based engines. Suggested spring set Minispares AEA -525.
Real world example build - In a typical example build (1293 to 1330cc) this cam will deliver 73 to 75bhp with a stock head and rockers and 81 to 83lbft of torque with a single HIF44 SU and a typical stage 1 kit fitted. Power would rise to a typical 86 to 88bhp and 92lbft of torque with the addition of a gas flowed head and 1.3 rockers. Add 1.5 rockers on the same engine, and power climbs to 97 to 100bhp and 95 to 97lbft of torque.
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- 998 Cooper
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Re: Camshaft Selection
I have an SW8 in a 1310 S with a lightly ported 163 head, standard carbs with AH2 needles, K&N filters in a standard box, standard S exhaust manifold. Idle is slightly lumpy but it clears up as soon as you step on the go pedal. It pulls quite well and doesn't feel "cammy" at all. I'd say right off the line it's a bit less torquey than my other car with a 1275 using AEG510 with 1.5 ratio rockers, standard bore maniflow LCB, paper filters in stock housing, but higher up it feels like it has more power which is expected.
Hope some of that helps
Hope some of that helps

- 850man
- 998 Cooper
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Re: Camshaft Selection
I service & restore hundreds of Minis and build lots of A series engines here in Australia and 90% of the engines other people have built are over cammed and horrible to drive. At least 2 of the profiles I find woeful have been mentioned above.
For a road going Mini, everyday driving with some extra HP, I highly recommend a Swiftune SW5. They are great in a little 998 and provide plenty of go in 1330 Cooper S engines. A well known Motorkhana car I built the motor for a few years back uses one and its a perfect choice for both drivability and performance.
RIng Swiftune and talk to Nick. He will provide you with exactly the cam you need.
For a road going Mini, everyday driving with some extra HP, I highly recommend a Swiftune SW5. They are great in a little 998 and provide plenty of go in 1330 Cooper S engines. A well known Motorkhana car I built the motor for a few years back uses one and its a perfect choice for both drivability and performance.
RIng Swiftune and talk to Nick. He will provide you with exactly the cam you need.
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- 1275 Cooper S
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Re: Camshaft Selection
I would also go for the SW5 every Time for a Road Engine.
Had build up mine 13 Years ago and it still pulls very hard in my 998 Cooper engine.
Whe had also built up some 1380 with the SW5 and they made 100-110 HP on the Dyno.
If you want quality, buy Swiftune. It will save you money in the end...
Had build up mine 13 Years ago and it still pulls very hard in my 998 Cooper engine.
Whe had also built up some 1380 with the SW5 and they made 100-110 HP on the Dyno.
If you want quality, buy Swiftune. It will save you money in the end...
I promise i won't buy another MkI...
- Minigman
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Re: Camshaft Selection
Which two?850man wrote: ↑Sun Aug 09, 2020 3:18 am I service & restore hundreds of Minis and build lots of A series engines here in Australia and 90% of the engines other people have built are over cammed and horrible to drive. At least 2 of the profiles I find woeful have been mentioned above.
For a road going Mini, everyday driving with some extra HP, I highly recommend a Swiftune SW5. They are great in a little 998 and provide plenty of go in 1330 Cooper S engines. A well known Motorkhana car I built the motor for a few years back uses one and its a perfect choice for both drivability and performance.
RIng Swiftune and talk to Nick. He will provide you with exactly the cam you need.
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Re: Camshaft Selection
Thanks everyone going to go with the SW5 I think for the price it’s very good. Hopefully soon we can get our minis out for some car shows 
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- Basic 850
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Re: Camshaft Selection
Good choice, you won't be disappointed.
I run one in my 998 van, it just pulls its heart out from any revs and is a hoot to drive. The girlfriend uses it for work in summer, she prefers it to her new car, apart not having aircon.
I run one in my 998 van, it just pulls its heart out from any revs and is a hoot to drive. The girlfriend uses it for work in summer, she prefers it to her new car, apart not having aircon.
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Re: Camshaft Selection
We have an SW8 fitted in our 1380 and it's an awesome 'fast road' cam, not overly cammy and it pull's from around 2200rpm with a 3.4 differential.
Heaps of low down torque and this is with 1.5 ratio roller rockers, 45 DCOE Weber on a 5" manifold, 10.6 to 1 compression and Maniflow Big Bore LCB Extractors.
My Father say's in second gear, it can pull you across the other lane when you really stand on it!
Heaps of low down torque and this is with 1.5 ratio roller rockers, 45 DCOE Weber on a 5" manifold, 10.6 to 1 compression and Maniflow Big Bore LCB Extractors.
My Father say's in second gear, it can pull you across the other lane when you really stand on it!