Piper or Kent cam selection

[colonel mustard]

Looking to pull the engine back out this winter period and replace the god awful cam that is currently in my 998 cooper engine.
The head has had some porting and is on 1:3 rockers with standard valves and on 1”1/4 SU’s

Looking at the following options (the Kent and piper being recommended by my rolling road guy)

The PIper BP255
https://www.pipercams.co.uk/product/metbp255b

Kent 266
https://www.kentcams.com/part/MD266?man ... engine=149

Has anyone used either of these or any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance

[Dr S]

What you got at the moment? 997 Cooper cam is oft mentioned. That’s what I have, not overly lumpy pulls well from 2.5k or so

[colonel mustard]

Hi
The cam is a Minispares CA3, from the googling it is:
ca3 -road/rally - 2500 to 7000rpm - 268 degree duration - valve lift is 0.320" - valve clearance is 0.016" - full lift ATDC is 110 degrees
It’s horrible!!!! Very lumpy, no power band etc…

[mk1]

I have used a Minispares EVO1 in a few engines & it is a cracking cam.

I believe the CA3 cam is sold by MiniSPORT not MiniSPARES.

It is a MINISPORT Version of the venerable & totally useless in anything but a 997 Cooper 731 cam.

[Pandora]

Years ago I had a 266 in my 998 (A+) with a mildly ported 295 and a lightened flywheel and twin 1 1/4s and it was really nice, not too cammy. I am sure the rockers were standard ration, just a new shaft fitted.

I seem to remember Robb had a 286 in a similar engine at around the same time, and whilst noticeably sportier, it was not anywhere as nice around town. I suppose the balance is down to preference (and age!)

Al

[floormanager]

I have used a Minispares EVO1 in a few engines & it is a cracking cam.

I believe the CA3 cam is sold by MiniSPORT not MiniSPARES.

It is a MINISPORT Version of the venerable & totally useless in anything but a 997 Cooper 731 cam.

I've had a Minisport CA2 cam in a 1275.- it was horrible, nothing at 2000 rpm, came on cam around 3500. I've used a Minispares Evo 1 cam and think it is a great cam. Just building another with Anning's ARR GT Camshaft, which is similar to Swiftune's SW5. Hard to argue about the minispares Evo 1 cam as it's half the price of the others.

[colonel mustard]

Many thanks all

Sorry, yes minisport not minispare

Mark have you used the Evolution 001 in a 998 and how was it? On the mini spares website it notes that it’s ok in a 998 but can be slightly lumpy and have erratic tickover (subject to the tuning)?

Both the Kent 266 and the Evolution001 look similar on paper. Looking for a nice tickover, happy to rev if required for a bit of punch when needed.
Or maybe something like the Kent 246 with a lower duration

[OzOAP]

Having fitted most over the years, Piper 255 is the best camshaft it that 'mild' range. EVO1 next.

[Mini Mad Swede]

Ah, there he is!
OzOAP that is, who built a really impressive 1293cc for his Innocenti 120 with the Piper 255 which seemed tame to me but produced 93bhp!
Which must be really fun for 'just' a road engine!

[mk1]

Oz has far more experience than I could ever claim.

[AndyB72]

I've fitted the EVO1 cam to a few 1100 engines and have been really happy with the results. The most recent engine I put together used a Piper 255 and it ticks over better, not had it on a r-road yet. If you're on a budget go for the EVO cam, otherwise 255. If you're up this way drop me a PM and I'll take you out for a spin.

[colonel mustard]

Thanks Oz and Andy, that’s re-assuring to know.
Looks like the piper 255 then!
On with starting the task in hand and start undoing the hard work earlier this year!

Thanks again to all that commented, really appreciated

[OzOAP]

Ah, there he is!
OzOAP that is, who built a really impressive 1293cc for his Innocenti 120 with the Piper 255 which seemed tame to me but produced 93bhp!
Which must be really fun for 'just' a road engine!

It is great fun, as many will testify, it is my company 'demonstrator'
255 with everything compatible. Springs, ignition advance, comp ratio, final drive. That is what makes a good engine.

[Minigman]

I just built a 1098+0.080” with a Calver ST3 head. Keith pretty much insisted I use the Piper 255.

I’ve had a 998+0.040” with 295 head, twin HS2s and a 266, it was cracker. Lovely engine.

The 1330 in one of my current minis has a 276. It’s horrible, even with the twin HS4s, stage 4 head etc etc. I actually preferred the 286 but I was a little more youthful when I ran that.

[Vegard]

Just built a 1098 with 255 camshaft and a modified 202 head, single HS4. Makes 75hp and LOADS of torque. In modified 998s I find the 255 to give a couple more hp than the Minispares EVO, but that might be other reasons for. The Minispares one is a no brainer when it comes to budget though.
My 998s with modified std heads makes areound 55-57 hp in this trim. Quite a jump from standard without sacrificing one bit of driveability.