4AGE camshafts (again)

[Alex170984]

Hi,

My name is Alex and I own a 1989 Mk1 Mr2 with the 4AGE engine.

I am about to start the rebuilding process of my red top 4AGE out of my MR2 – apologies for being on this website and asking questions as I am not an AE86 owner, but many owners with my model do not replace the camshafts and when they do it’s either HKS or Toda.

I have got limited technical knowledge - I am rebuilding the engine, but regarding camshafts please treat me as stupid, I will not be offended!!

I am looking for an alternative camshaft manufacturer, as paying £350 per cam is just not in my budget.

I want to get all the necessary information sought and parts purchased before I start taking it apart as I don’t want to start and then wait for my parts to be delivered.

But firstly, I saw other people’s power outputs and thought I’d post mine on here.

This is when I had a fully rebuilt ‘race prepped’ engine bought from Rogue Motorsport, which sadly 40k miles later blew its head through block corrosion – it was then replaced 3 months later (due to paranoia) with an AE92 4AGE engine.

Spec:-
81.5mm pistons
Standard HG
No head work
Exhaust & induction filter

It was dyno’d at 107.6 WHP which was around 130 at the flywheel. This engine just felt so crisp under acceleration but my current engine is sluggish as hell and seems to have a TVIS problem. But I have since started a new job and bought a diesel due to commuting 500 miles a week so rebuilding this engine is my project for the winter!

My project outline
Aftermarket Camshafts (Cat Cams / TED Components) 264° maximum
Toda Adjustable Cam Gears – if necessary
81.5mm pistons
Head & Block skim
Cometic Metal Head Gasket
Iridium Plugs (already purchased)
Fidanza Flywheel (already purchased)
4 to 1 Header (where can I find one delivered to UK?)

When I strip the block I will measure each journal for wear and obviously check all the bearings – if they are all in spec and not shown signs of wear they will not be replaced. I have a feeling the rings are worn as it was using oil up until it was put in the garage.

I am not familiar with the workings of camshafts however I have been around a 4AGE for 7 years now and spent enough time fixing it in the past to be able to rebuild it. I am unfamiliar with the technical knowledge of lift and the need for under bucket shims.

I have read on BillZilla’s website that removal of the TVIS helps with some cam arrangements?

A woman on the IMOC website specified Cat Cams as a good alternative to HKS and Toda and this thread was also posted on the forum, which I must say is very, very helpful!

If anyone has any HKS or TODA second hand camshafts they wish to sell please let me know.

TED Components were also mentioned.

Can anyone shed any light of what to and what not to buy when it comes to camshafts? I will buy adjustable pulleys if it is necessary to produce a decent idle but if they are not needed I will not.

Would it be possible to take the stock cam gears to a machinist and have them slot the holes for adjustability?

While I am here, has anyone got the factory measurements of the 4AGE cylinder head and engine block? I only ask as apparently my current engine has been rebuilt in the past (but no evidence) so I would like to know if it has been skimmed before and if it has how much I can further skim it for a completely flat surface for a metal head gasket.

My engine did overheat once on a long journey, it pressurised the system but I added more coolant before the needle got too high.

So that is my reason for skimming the head in case it is slightly out of square.

My aim is for 140-150 BHP but from reading this thread it could be as much as 160 which would be awesome.

I plan to use the car at weekends and for track days / car shows. I have already got the twin pot Celica front brakes with red stuff modified Scoobie pads, braided hoses and Koni suspension, as well as other modifications, so upgrading the engine was the next move, as I have the necessary stopping power and handling for the extra power.

If I didn’t have to spunk £800 having my wheel arches re-engineered I’d spend more money on well-known branded camshafts but I do not have that luxury as they are rotten.

Any feedback and advice would be greatly appreciated!

Best regards,

Alex