Camshaft Suggestions

Jim Osborn · 01-01-2001, 09:05 PM

Well after having my new motor for around 15,000 miles I have decided that I would like to run a larger cam.

I am currently running a web-cam with .435 lift, and 290 degrees of duration. My motor is a 2.0L with 1.8L heads that are ported and polished with SS valves(head work is pretty extensive). I think I have euro p/c's. I am running SS heat exchangers with dual monza exhaust. My carbs are gonna be dual 36mm dells. I was running a single 44mm weber but it never ran right.

I want power! I have looked at the Web racing cam and Elgin cams. Elgin seem to be a little more coservative on the lift but adds a little more duration to compensate. What other cams are there?

I want this to be a snarling moster of a motor with highend power to take advantage of the heads. Also should I look at going with higher compression? Thanx in advance.

Jim

------------------
2000 Jetta GLS 1.8T 5speed Silver/ Black chip(AMS), exhaust (TT/Borla), abt filter
1973 Porsche 914 HO2.0L Black/Black
"Some people have shrinks, some have garages"

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Web-cam is supposed to be a really high-quality product. Plus Pelican sells them, which is nice because it helps support this website.

A major up-side to using the Elgin cams is that they are in our area--San Mateo, I do believe. TechCraft is right next door, and they are pretty good machinists. I've never got any BS from them, like I did with the jerk-offs over at Ellsworth.

If you're wanting top-end power, get bigger carbs than the 36 Dells. They're supposed to be roughly equivalent to 40 Webers. That's OK for a stock-ish motor with midrange punch, but for power on the top end, you want Weber 44s or bigger. I know some folks that run Weber 48s on two-liter motors, but that sounds way too big for my taste.

Weber 44s or Dell 40s would be pretty good for what you're talking about, I would think.

BTW, this is all second-hand. I'm much more of an FI fan. I think the CB Performance setup with 48mm throttle bodies would be even better. (They don't carry 44s, just 40s and 48s.)

--DD

Jim Osborn · 01-02-2001, 08:26 AM

Thanx Dave, but I don't want to plop down major bank on an FI system if I'm not going to be keeping this motor configuration. I completely agree on the fact that FI is a better solution but this is gonna be cheaper in the short term.

Ok, so given that I am going with 36 Dells, what is the suggested cam combo? What is my power band gonna look like?

------------------
2000 Jetta GLS 1.8T 5speed Silver/ Black chip(AMS), exhaust (TT/Borla), abt filter
1973 Porsche 914 HO2.0L Black/Black
"Some people have shrinks, some have garages"

SteveStromberg · 01-02-2001, 11:46 AM

Check your exhaust diameter a2.0 has 42mm heat ex dia. the Monza I have measured were 36mm dia.this would choke the gas flow.I would agree that 44 Weber will make it fly.Steve

Jim Osborn · 01-02-2001, 01:41 PM

They are 1.7L SS exchangers.

------------------
2000 Jetta GLS 1.8T 5speed Silver/ Black chip(AMS), exhaust (TT/Borla), abt filter
1973 Porsche 914 HO2.0L Black/Black
"Some people have shrinks, some have garages"

SteveStromberg · 01-02-2001, 03:50 PM

You should replace them with 2.0 no matter how much you do to the engine if the exhaust gas cant get out you are limting your output.Steve

Jim Osborn · 01-02-2001, 04:04 PM

I don't know what brand they are but I compared them to my friends 2.0 SS exchangers and they appeared to be the same I.D. I haven't measured so I don't know for sure. I was planning on going with the Borla muffler which requires 2.0L exhaust anyways so I was gonna upgrade.

------------------
2000 Jetta GLS 1.8T 5speed Silver/ Black chip(AMS), exhaust (TT/Borla), abt filter
1973 Porsche 914 HO2.0L Black/Black
"Some people have shrinks, some have garages"

John Rogers · 01-02-2001, 04:39 PM

The posts about the exhaust is pretty much right on. I would recommend a set of headers and turbo muffler so the engine can breath especially if the heads have been flowed with bigger valves. If you go to a radical cam be prepared to lose low end torque and only get power over 4500 RPM or so which is what the engine I have now is like. A more radical cam also makes the valve train work much harder which can require dual valve springs, titanium retainers and push rods, lightened stainless valves, roller rockers and a set of Weber 44s at least. Without all the extras the true power can't usually be reached since you can not reliably rev to 7000. All this makes the engine closer to a "granade motor" and much more prone to failure. My 2.8l stroker had all of these bits and still broke a valve a couple of weeks ago so now it looks like titanium valves will be next as they are much lighter and don't flex as much at high RPMs. Good luck.

Jim Osborn · 01-02-2001, 05:17 PM

Thanx for the insight John.

------------------
2000 Jetta GLS 1.8T 5speed Silver/ Black chip(AMS), exhaust (TT/Borla), abt filter
1973 Porsche 914 HO2.0L Black/Black
"Some people have shrinks, some have garages"

Ian Cubus · 01-02-2001, 05:33 PM

Hey John what is your source for the titanium valves? I checked with a company which I can't remember right now, on the price of a set of titanium valves and it was astronomical. Of course I am a soldier with soldier pay! Ian

John Rogers · 01-03-2001, 09:21 AM

Manley and the price is pretty high.