Topic: K vs. F camshafts

[superchode]

to rebuild the engine after the camshaft seized to the blocks i picked up a used camshaft and valve towers in good condition from a breaker.

trouble is, i don't know if it's a K or an F shaft. it'll definately fit... but i'd like to know what the difference is between the two types of camshafts and what i should expect if it does turn out to be a K shaft. could i measure it to find out?

[MRieck]

You can expect slightly less lift and duration if it's a K cam.

[superchode]

any definitive way to sort which type i've got? i've got micrometers and calipers. should be able to sort the pitch... at least roughly.

[scondon]

    Which F model engine (F0-F3) are you rebuilding ?   I've got a K8 and F3 cam at home and can probably measure the lift on each for comparison.

     

[superchode]

it's a '78 F. guess that makes it an F3.

[scondon]

it's a '78 F. guess that makes it an F3.

   Yep, that's what I have at home. I'll post what I can this evening  (6 hours from now).

[scondon]

Well 'chode, I was hoping to have something "definitive" to post after measuring the cam lobes using my POS caliper (POS=Piece Of S***), but I'm afraid what I got might not be exact enough for you to determine which type of cam you have. Here's what info I got when using the caliper to measure the intake lobe from base(no lift) to highest point of lobe(maximum lift).

F3 cam:    36.2mm

K8 cam:    35.8mm

Roughly .016" more lift on the F3 cam

The lobe profiles differ but are most notable on the exhaust valve close(F3), it slams shut quickly.

Each cam is stamped "R-2" but the K8 cam is stamped with "F" at one end, the F3 cam is stamped "J" at one end.

Here is the spec sheet for your F3 and K8 cams. I hope this helps

[superchode]

thanks for the info, i'll scope my cam out tonight at the shop