Mike : I used a Crane H-202/260-2S-12, Part #900531. This has an intake
duration of 2i60 deg, .270" lift, exhaust dur. of 268 deg, .270 lift. Lobe
seperation of 112 deg. Power range 1500 rpm to 4000 rpm for the 3.5 l engine,
recommended for 8.13 or 9.35:1 CR. I choose this as a good cam for both off
road and on road use (its in a 83 Range Rover). I think that this is a good
"mild" cam for engines with stock valve gear. I had previously used an Isky
cam with much higher lift and was a little nervous about the longevity of the
rockers and valve stems, so I opted for this cam.
I think they still make a 280 duration cam, but I am unsure of the part
number. Try asking for an H-218/280 Part # 900571. My source (Jim Allen, Land
Rover & 4x4 expert, from an article in Rovers North newsletter) says this cam
has power range from 2000 to 4500 rpm, best cruise at 2600-3000 rpm, lift :
.280" intake, .290" exhaust. Some lumpy idle on 3.5 L engines, better on big
bore (3.9 +). This will give a total lift that may well exceed the stock valve
trains ability so be careful.
Anyhow you can call Crane in Florida at (904) 258-6174. Best part: only cost
$125, about 1/3 the price of a factory Rover cam, and much better made (IMHO).
In my opinion I'd stick to the lower end of the torque curve for street use
and relaxed driving with occasional bursts of speed. The 150 to 180+hp you'd
get from this cam and some mild tuning is plenty of power in an MGB, again
IMHO. The real problem is breathing, that is even the smallest Holley 4 barrel
is more carb than the 3.5 L really needs for most street uses. And you'll need
a free flow exhaust system as well.
Hope this helps, Cheers, Andy Blackley
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