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When I have my 998 cooper engine rebuilt, I’d like to take the opportunity to change the cam. The engine will be running standard bore/carbs/dizzy/rocker gear. It will be treated to speedwell ram pipes, a maniflow LCB with single box 1 ¾” system but will otherwise run standard.
 
I’ve done a bit of research and it seems that there are a few to choose from.  I was thinking along the lines of the Kent 256 mild road cam, or the SW5, but from memory, the SW5 didn’t have that much more inlet duration over standard – which made me lean towards the 256.
 
However, I’m now thinking about the Kent 266 – it seems to have a very wide power band (1000-6500) which should keep the car tame in traffic, but it should give a few more bhp over the 256 at the top end? The car will very occasionally be used for a commute to work but mostly enjoyable weekend outings.
 
In people’s opinion, might the 266 be a little too much for the standard 998 cooper engine (with inlet/exhaust mods as above) – I think it would still be very driveable, but it may be that I’d benefit from larger valves, porting/polishing to realise the full potential of the cam….which is something I’m trying not to do as I want to keep the costs under control!
 
I imagine the 256 will give more in the mid range which may benefit me best overall…opinions welcome.

Hey Alex

I would go for the SW5.

I have also a standard 998 Cooper Engine with D-Top Pistons and a self modified 12G295 Head and Twin HS2 on Spedwell manifolds and it gives me 64,3 Din HP on the Dyno.

It is my dream 998 Engine for the Road and it seams that i can push the Engine and rev it like Hell!

Built this one in 2007, had done over 60'000 km since and its still a Dream to Drive!

Go for Swiftune, it's worth the Monney

Regards Fabian

Not sure about the 998, so maybe my advice is just BS.

BUT I love how the Mini Spares Evolution High Torque works on my motor (so its a 1380 - which is why my advice maybe just BS)

following my research on this forum and chatting to a few chaps at swift tune, minispares, kent cams etc. i decided on an SW5 for my set up which is standard 1275 s block rebored +0.40", standard 12G940 head, standard rockers, twin HS4s with K and N cones or pancakes (yet to decide), LCB and single box RC40. decision based on drivability at lower revs as i live in london, but still delivers power at 5500rpm +. lots of torque through out...

big question now is what needles to work well in the carbs.....rolling road as soon as she has been put together me thinks!

not sure how relevant that is to your decision. have a word with ST, MS and KC. they were very helpful and really knew their stuff!

Maybe i should add that when whe were in Birmingham 2009 i won a Road Race on a Highway in France on the way back Home
Vs a Mpi with mild Tunning...

Next project I have planned is to rebuild my 998 Cooper unit for the rally Mini and planning on the SW5.

MG Metro Cam, better that the SW5.

Kent 266 has more duration than the SW5. I may be wrong, but I would assume that means better top end, though the 266 is considered good from 1000 to 6000 rpm.
I put this cam in my 1275 but they say it's best in a 998.
No I haven't driven mine yet.

I have a 997 cooper cam in mine. It noticeably gets up and goes at 2.5k and pulls well round to 5.5k+

Like Sean I've used the Mini Spares Evolution in the last three small bore engines I've put together (overbored 948 and 1098 engines) and have been very happy with the results. One of the cars will be at Blyton and I should have one of the others back in Yorkshire in a month or two if you're not in a rush and fancy a test drive before you decide, both are 1100s though.

http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... o%20search

Thankyou all very much for your replies! Very helpful stuff.

Frogeye61 wrote:Kent 266 has more duration than the SW5. I may be wrong, but I would assume that means better top end, though the 266 is considered good from 1000 to 6000 rpm.
I put this cam in my 1275 but they say it's best in a 998.
No I haven't driven mine yet.

But SW5 has more lift than the MD266?