What cam do I have?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
What cam do I have?
I have an unstarted motor that I'd like to crank over but the carb needs a rebuild before I do so (stuck throttle linkage). Turns out that in order to do it "properly" I need to know the application specs, which includes stuff like camshaft lift and duration.
Is there a way to get these numbers without pulling the cam out? Maybe a stamp on the outward-facing end of it or a measurement I can take?
OTOH, since it's a QJet maybe just setting to factory specs would be a decent starting point.
Thanks!
Chris
Is there a way to get these numbers without pulling the cam out? Maybe a stamp on the outward-facing end of it or a measurement I can take?
OTOH, since it's a QJet maybe just setting to factory specs would be a decent starting point.
Thanks!
Chris
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
...What cam do I have?...
Model year?
As far as you know, has the cam ever been changed?
I'm not sure rebuilding a Q-Jet requires any cam specifications.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 14, 2016 at 11:33 AM.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,782
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never heard of anyone ripping open the timing cover to see if perhaps there are ID numbers on the front of the cam just to have a carburetor rebuilt. The rebuilder based on the carburetor number should have no problem checking to see if it has the stock jets and metering rods, etc. and based on how emissions restrictive the carburetor is adjust the jets and rods to a more performance oriented tune. If you insist on knowing the specs you will need a degree wheel and dial indicator to measure the cam specs.
Last edited by MelWff; Jul 14, 2016 at 11:40 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I have an unstarted motor that I'd like to crank over but the carb needs a rebuild before I do so (stuck throttle linkage). Turns out that in order to do it "properly" I need to know the application specs, which includes stuff like camshaft lift and duration.
Is there a way to get these numbers without pulling the cam out? Maybe a stamp on the outward-facing end of it or a measurement I can take?
OTOH, since it's a QJet maybe just setting to factory specs would be a decent starting point.
Thanks!
Chris
Is there a way to get these numbers without pulling the cam out? Maybe a stamp on the outward-facing end of it or a measurement I can take?
OTOH, since it's a QJet maybe just setting to factory specs would be a decent starting point.
Thanks!
Chris
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
The reason I think this information is needed is because it's on the form that Cliff's site asks you to fill out when requesting a rebuild.
Chris
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
never heard of anyone ripping open the timing cover to see if perhaps there are ID numbers on the front of the cam just to have a carburetor rebuilt. The rebuilder based on the carburetor number should have no problem checking to see if it has the stock jets and metering rods, etc. and based on how emissions restrictive the carburetor is adjust the jets and rods to a more performance oriented tune. If you insist on knowing the specs you will need a degree wheel and dial indicator to measure the cam specs.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Since the QJet is dynamically metered I think starting at stock will be fine for a while. I just wanted to know if there were tools to measure internals of the engine without having to tear it apart.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
You could measure the lift with a dial indicator on the push rod tip and use a degree wheel and dial indicator to measure the duration, alot of work, the end of the camshaft might have a part number, but that's also a lot if work and unless it's a rowdy cam you'll be fine just going with stock I'm that spot on the order form. Once you talk to the carb builder, just tell him it has a cam that doesn't seem big but isn't quite stock.
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