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ES2 Camshaft Conversion

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Has anyone made experience with other camshafts in the es2 model?

I would like a few extra hp on my es2 from 1954 with aluminium head i am restoring

and would like to have different camshafts for longer valve opening.

It seems to me that the camshaft of the 16h model could fit.

My question is: does the camshafts of the 16h model fit for an es2?

Are there any problems with the valves that could collide?

Do I need a different carburetor ?

How does the engine run with such cams? (performance only from high rpm, bad idle?)

Or are there other camshafts that fit better?

As I said I would like to have a few extra hp but it should run on the road reliably.

Cheers Romeo Spada

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Hi Romeo,

You can use 1948-1954 16H cams in your ES2 but the extra lift of these cams will only give a small increase in top speed of around 2 or 3kph. The easiest way to give you extra power is to increase the compression ratio. The standard ratio for the Welworthy bi-metal head is 6.8 to 1 but you can use up to 9 to 1 on premium petrol with this head. You can also use a larger carburettor if you open the inlet tract and manifold to suit, but 29mm is about the most you can bore out the manifold to. I think Mike Pemberton does fast road cams but to get the best from these you need the high compression. The valves will not touch each otherbut fit new springs at regular intervals,and you need to check the valve to piston clearance, especially the exhaust. If you fit a high compression piston you will need to check the flywheel balance and if you fit Mike's cams you will lose some bottom end tractability. Any of the above changes will affect carburation.

Regards, Richard.

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Dan, Tony and Richard Thank you very much for the interesting and helpful information. Especially Richards report. Im sure Ill get in touch with Mike Pemberton.

Regards Romeo

 


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