The V8 Owners Forum -

Hello all.
My faithfull RRC is running again, though still with a blown headgasket at one cylinder. The engine as such has a ticking noise, but pulls allright.
I've found another high-comp 3,9 engine though, which has been put aside for two years now, according to the seller.
My thoughts were to renew the waterpump, as well as to change camshaft, lifters and chain before I change the engines.
I would like to hear your opinion on camshafts, as there a several options. I know there isn't a direct No.1 choise but several, but I have no experience in what works well with my setup.
RRC 3,9 automatic, never off-roads but occasionally used to pull auto-/horsetrailer. My aim is a mild tune - low-rev torque, and a straight swap without having to replace valvesprings or work the heads.
I found following choises :

JE101 : Have read good about it, but unsure if it's still available?
High Torque from V8tuner : http://www.v8tuner.com/product.php?id=693
Piper Torque Max : Available at RPi?
Real Steel Viper Cyclone or Viper Hurricane

And a question : I've read in earlier posts, that break-in of the new camshaft, with zink-additive designed to the purpose, is essential - but could be dangerous with ZF 4-speed automatic?
Thanks in advance for your advice.

Carbs or injection?

I have used the Torquemax from RPi and found it to be very good in a Short Wheelbase LandRover with auto + 4.6V8.

Not much top end, but bags of torque.

Chris.

Hi
I had an R87 on a 3.5 range rover, it had a 4 speed + overdrive manual box, 32" rolling diamiter wheels, tubular headers, boxer inlet manifold and 10.5:1 pistons on comp gaskets and stage 1 ported heads skimmed to give just over 10:1 compression. I thought it worked very well, it would go up anything I could find to play on in low ratio, would pull from nothing in 4th in town, cruise at 75 in overdrive, pull a 1.5 tonne trailer and if you wanted rev to about 5800 at which point the lifters pumped up. Really like the standard cam until 3500 revs then alot happier to rev through the gears, just a nice cam. Not sure that is of use to you.
Best regards
Mike

I'm going for the real steel cyclone cam in my 3.9 110 auto.

Hello.
Thanks for the inputs.
It's a 3,9 Efi and I'll be running low-revs most of the time. When I get the new engine running ok, I'll be fitting headders and sports exhaust from Rimmerbros, it should give a little as well.

Just seen your post......I've been away, I have the RP4 camshaft from RPi

"RP4, Optimax cam This is the most recent addition to our camshaft range and has been designed to best suit the latest V8s, especially the 3.9 with 'hot wire' injection, This camshaft offers up to 18bhp (much more when used in conjunction with other upgrades) in the same power ranges as described with the Piper 270/110. The Piper RP4 is especially suited for Automatic Transmission."


Been happy with it, it must have done @ 50k miles now, my usage is similar to yours

Some folks seem to like the JE 101 for these types of applications too.
20//65/25/20
265/225
0.43" lift
Big low down torque cam designed for 4x4 autos.

Given everyone seems to have their favourite, it would be good to have some form of comparative test between them on a dyno, against the standard 3.9 which is said to be pretty good.

Of course if you are replacing a worn cam anything will be better.

Yes, it seems everybody has their favourite, but on the other hand, they all seem a fine choise .
I have no idea yet of the state the old cam is in, but I'll change for safety's sake - and for the opportunity to get a bit more grunt . It's easy when the engine is out.
I think I'll try Real Steel or the V8tuner - they both seem to have a positive reputation on this site too.
Thanks for your input, I'll let you know what I choose and how it performs .