Ams Evo Cam Test
Jan 2, 2009, 01:07 PM
#541
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I think if you look at those graphs you'll see that the Kelfords and GSC S2 look basically the same. Any difference is within run-to-run variation for the most part. If you look at the cams themselves they are very similar as well.
I wouldn't expect any real difference going from S2's to Kelfords.
I wouldn't expect any real difference going from S2's to Kelfords.
Last edited by jid2; Jan 2, 2009 at 01:10 PM.
Jan 2, 2009, 01:16 PM
#542
Well I need advice on cam choice for my evo 8. I'm currently running HKS 272's on a typical stock turbo setup. Well for this year I'm going with a FP Red turbo and some goodies to go with it. My power goal is 500whp on stock motor. So everyone on this forums say Kelford 272's are the way to go with a bigger turbo but I was leaning more towards to GSC S2's. I know I can get them both for a very good price and I know I have to upgrade my valve springs. But according to this original test the GSC were right behind the Kelford. I just want to make the right decision the first time.
Jan 3, 2009, 03:27 PM
#547
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First off, I'd like to say that tests like this is what makes me appreciate the EVO community. Such extensive tests take time, effort, and not to mention dedication. To the crew of AMS (Martin specifically), I for one appreciate the hard work and it is going to serve as a valueable source for my next cam upgrade. Secondly, as I read through nearly 500 posts, I had to shake my head at the ungratefulness displayed by some evoM members with the repeated "what about this cam", "what about that cam" remarks. There are hundreds of cams on the market and the ones tested should give everyone in the EVO community an awesome baseline for choosing the correct cams for their own individual set up. It amazes me that the majority of people want everything at their disposal without doing a little research themselves. By reading through the several write-ups in "Turbo" magazine along with the knowledge contained in this thread, anyone should be able to make an informed decision as it relates to buying the proper camshaft combination. I personally learned quite a bit reading through this thread. I never would have taken into consideration the recommended threshold for a stock head (10.5mm lift) when comparing cams. From what I am able to gather, here is how I see things as it relates to my current/future set up. I plan on running a stock/E85 set up for the near term and ultimately go with a FP Red/E85 set up.
* upgrading from HKS 272 to HKS 280 gained around 20whp more with an increase of spool of about 150RPM
* GSC S2/S3 are recommended to be run with upgraded springs/retainers
* FP5R, GSC S3, Crane, and Tomei 280s are nearly the same overall
* GSC S2 and FP4R are nearly the same
* GSC S2 outperformed all tested cams (except Tomei 280s) between 5-7000RPM
* Kelford 272 has a 11.5mm lift
* JUN 272/272 = 225 intake and 226 exhaust; HKS 272/272 = 208 intake and 206 exhaust; GSC S2 = 217 intake and 217 exhaust
* JUN built around stock head flow rates
* BF272 (not tested) is nearly the same as JUN 272
* BC cams suck on stock head
* FP4R competed with Cosi M2 cams (not tested)
* FP4R has stock-like spool with better topend than HKS 272
So, with all of that said, as it relates to my current set and how I use my car (street, autox, drag), my choices would be:
1. GSC S2
2. Kelford 272
3. JUN 272
4. FP4R
I really appreciate the time and effort that the AMS crew put into these tests and it has certainly helped me to make my next cam upgrade decision.
* upgrading from HKS 272 to HKS 280 gained around 20whp more with an increase of spool of about 150RPM
* GSC S2/S3 are recommended to be run with upgraded springs/retainers
* FP5R, GSC S3, Crane, and Tomei 280s are nearly the same overall
* GSC S2 and FP4R are nearly the same
* GSC S2 outperformed all tested cams (except Tomei 280s) between 5-7000RPM
* Kelford 272 has a 11.5mm lift
* JUN 272/272 = 225 intake and 226 exhaust; HKS 272/272 = 208 intake and 206 exhaust; GSC S2 = 217 intake and 217 exhaust
* JUN built around stock head flow rates
* BF272 (not tested) is nearly the same as JUN 272
* BC cams suck on stock head
* FP4R competed with Cosi M2 cams (not tested)
* FP4R has stock-like spool with better topend than HKS 272
So, with all of that said, as it relates to my current set and how I use my car (street, autox, drag), my choices would be:
1. GSC S2
2. Kelford 272
3. JUN 272
4. FP4R
I really appreciate the time and effort that the AMS crew put into these tests and it has certainly helped me to make my next cam upgrade decision.
"BF272 (not tested) is nearly the same as JUN 272" <----This is an old rumor that has been cleared up sometime ago.
Jan 3, 2009, 04:36 PM
#548
From looking at this thread I'm stuck between gsc s2's ( which have a bit more mid-range power) and the kelfords which make more up top. My current turbo setup is the hks gt3037s kit. Any one with some info on which route i should take? Car will be used for street/TA/drag.
Jan 4, 2009, 12:56 PM
#551
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I have no idea if the Kelford require springs but I figure it has almost identical lift so comman sense says yea put springs in. I don't plan on reving the motor more then the stock redline but I don't want issues with the build later.
Jan 4, 2009, 01:17 PM
#553
A top tier cam cannot deliver full power potential with the weak factory springs unable to exert accurate valve control in the meat of the powerband. It makes about as much sense as spending on a full-tilt suspension but using small wheels and skinny tires.
