Honestly I would wait for the next batch of Helix 272's or some other camshaft if you're going 272's the current batch we have is not lightened so they weigh the same as the HKS 272's. But the thing is the HKS 272's are a lot heavier than the stock cams, Mitsu hollowed out the EVO cams for a reason. The next batch of Helix 272's will be substantially lighter than the HKS 272's, (but not as light as stock due to the extra lobe material). The performance difference between a light and heavy valvetrain is not measurable on the dyno but there is a definite performance difference. Same goes with the lighter cam gears.

Cheers,

Gary
Gruppe-S

 

^Now I'm confused... what about the power gain on the HKS compare to the lightwieght 'helix cams'? will the helix perform better than HKS, coz it's lighter? Quality?

 

The actual power output is about the same because power output is determined by the lift and duration of the cams. However engine response and revs are vastly improved by the lighter Helix super-light cam gears and camshafts. Note the Helix camshafts are NOT lighter than stock (due to the increase in lobe mass) but are much lighter than the HKS 272's and most 272 camshafts on the market. Here's Mitsubishi's own comments regarding the EVO hollow-cored cams:

"Under the magnesium valve covers, hollow camshafts save rotational weight, and less inertia means that engine RPMs build faster and acceleration times go down."

You'll see a bigger difference going with the Helix cam gears, because of the larger diameter of the gear, but lighter cams are also a big plus.

Cheers,

Gary
Gruppe-S

EDIT: The rockwell hardness of the Helix camshafts are also harder than the HKS and most cast camshafts because they are billet and heat treated.

 

When is the ETA on the helix camshafts? Are you going to polish the lobes like GSC had to finally do on their cams?

 

2-3 weeks. I'm not sure the polishing is necessary. We've been running the prototype cams for almost 10 months now without any problems. I will speak to them regarding the polishing issue though and get their feedback. Thanks!

Gary
Gruppe-S

 

Well just giving you a heads up, because GSC had to RMA a lot of version 1 camshafts due to the lobes "cracking". The Cam itself was fine, but the coating was cracking after a few months of use.

 

talk to any tuner they will tell you cam gears are a waste of money, read what david buschur says, cams gears shift power around, all his cars run 0-0.

ask the vendors and make the choice for yourself, that's the best way, talk to David Buschur, he recommends HKS272's, talk to TurboTrix they recommend, COMP280's, talk to GSC, they recommend 272/264's, everyone has a different opinion. The real question is what are you going to do with your car? are you going to auto cross or your going to drag race, or neither, just a daily driver.

in my opinion 272's/264's are a great auto-x setup, 280's great drag race setup, 272's is a great daily driver because you get the best of both worlds.

 

HKS 272'S- no cam gears, not necessary.
or Revolvers.

 

I same COMP 280's! High lift w.o replacing valvtrain. 450BUCKS you really cant beat that.

 

While cam gears do shift power around substantially there are net benefits to cam gear adjustments. There are net positive gains by creating a little more overlap on 272 equipped cars. Greater overlap usually causes a loss in low end power and shifts it to the high rpm range, but if not done in excess usually there is a net gain in performance. Furthermore a lot of our customers will switch their settings when going to the track, thus shifting their power curve to the right resulting in slightly better ETs (albeit worse streetability). Furthermore the lighter Helix cam gears substantially reduces rotating mass at the valvetrain thus allowing for faster spool. The lighter cam gear actually makes a much larger difference than lighter cams due to the greater centripetal force of a larger diameter rotating object.

Cheers,

Gary
Gruppe-S

 

Cant go wrong with HKS 272s. I have them and would not change them. Ive made great power with them and my low-end is still incredible.