Cam id

Kurt in NJ

Kurt in NJ

Well-known member
I was looking through my cam pile trying to select a cam for next build and peeled some of the cosmoline off the love of what I thought was a NOS stock cam, the lobe tip is more rounded than a stock cam, so I measured it, the base circle is about 1.125, the lobe lift is about .326, which is more than the original used cams, even the base circle is larger by a little so it isn't a re grind most likely, there are no markings on either end other than a seemingly random stamped "J" next to dist drive slot
I know that to have all the specs I would have to clean it off and degree it with dial indicator but was hoping someone would know it by the look and lift
 

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If it is a Ford cam it should have some markings. Did you completely strip it? Slotted front end means that it's pre-'49 which really limits what it could be. Probably why you got no response. Difficult to measure A-B for lift because of the ramp. Dial is so much better. Good Luck: Fred A
 
It could be a mellings. they made several mild grinds that had a stocl base circle. Degree it in, might be a reasonable cam.
 
So it looks like I have to peel it---hope there are some marks to id it
What lift # is used to start the process, I have seen duration measured at different points--.0100, .0200 .090
 
Ol Ron may be on to something. I have an NOS full race Melling cam. Only marking on it is the letter I on the snout. I is one letter away from J.
 
I peeled it some in the spaces that Ford marks cams, on the front area white paint, the rear area has "CWC" with a #3 under it, the only marks other than the "J"
 
Measuring duration: You can't do it unless you have a degree wheel either mounted to the cam - or you put the cam in an engine and put the degree wheel on the crank. Putting it in an engine with one piston and rod is the best - as then you can actually plot the timing --> when a valve opens/closes in relation to TDC and BDC.

There are two basic duration numbers --> "as advertised" and at .050 lift. The "as-advertised" duration was measured differently based on the cam manufacturer --> some at at little as .010 lift, others at .020.

I think everybody wanted a "bigger number", so measuring at .010 made the numbers sound even better! LOL
 
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