RV8 Cam Interchangability

[chassis 33]

Just a quick one, the RV8 cams, whats the difference between a non-serpentine and an interim serpentine cam (ie still have the dizzy drive gear, but the dizzy doesn't drive the oil pump).

My understanding is that the interim cams have the facility for a retaining plate to prevent axial movement of the cam, whereas the the pre-serpenting cams rely purely on lobe profile to prevent axial movment.

With this is mind, is is possible to fit a pre-serpentine cam to an interim engine?

Regards
Iain

[GreenV8S]

I understand that the pre-serpentine cam relies on end thrust from the oil pump/dizzy drive gear to locate the cam endways. Apparently you can fit a retaining plate to locate it, and I remember being told you can also fit a button on the end instead, obviously some machining would be required. Presumably fitting the serp cam into a pre-serp engine would be a no-hoper since the serp cam would not have the dizzy drive gear? Speculation, haven't seen a serp can in the flesh, but that's what I would expect.

[v8 racing]

yes you can interchange the cams, the interim cam has a small recess cut oout on the nose of the cam to allow the retaing plate to be fitted, to be honest fitting this cam in a pre serp is the same as fitting a pre serp cam into a pre serp engine you just cant do it the other way around if you want to run the plate, you dont need to fit a cam button but i highly recomend it to stop cam walk

[chassis 33]

Thanks, basically what your saying is a pre-serp cam will fit a serp timing cover...however you can't use the retaining plate and should use a cam button if you're doing things properly.

Right?

For the hassle and the extra £80 I'll get a serp cam, I just know of one thats going cheap thats the same grind but for a pre-serp engine thats all.

Thanks

Regards
Iain

[v8 racing]

Basically yes