Preemptive Head Grinding For Larger Cams

[newman]

I am in the process of building an RB26 that sits in an 87 BMW 325IS. (http://onyxsyndicate.com/newman/e30gtr/e30gtr_00.html)

Right now the bottom end has been rebuilt w/

87mm Wiseco
Eagle Rods
New OEM Oil pump
Crank Collar
1.5mm restrictor

The top end is currently at the machine shop getting a valve job, as well as the following parts:

New valve seals
Exhaust valve guides
Ferrea springs/locators/retainers/locs

Now comes the problems, I'm essentially out of money to buy cams right now.

I was thinking of getting procams or something similar in the future. I know that I need to grind the head to do this, which requires the head to be off the block for cleaning purposes.

What I need to know, is what is the width of the lobe on most aftermarket cams, and is this something I can do without checking the head for clearance... I actually have done this before, about 4 years ago on my old 240 project, but I cannot remember how much I took off and where...

Can anyone help me out?

[mcfly]

Depending on the cams you buy you may need to take off up to 3mm
3mm in and 3mm down.

HKS Billet cams need a lot as they have lifts in the 12's
You really need to buy the cams and then grind the lobe sweep area to fit with some extra space

[newman]

So it's not something I can really do without the camshaft in my possession?

[newman]

I just realized my buddy has my old 270/270/10.8 procam so I'll just borrow it to clearance my head!

[tokes]

If you're still running an OEM oil pump you can't be expecting to go that hardcore with the RPM's, so why not just stick with a set of Tomei Poncams when the time comes.

[newman]

True, but changing the oil pump out is also an in-car operation...

[tokes]

Yeah, as long as your crossmembers aren't in the way. I guess the lack of the AWD bits makes it easier. But you should also be running an enlarged sump and some baffling if you want to go to one of the big nismo/tomei/jun oil pumps

[tokes]

On an added note, just checked out your build page. Bad ass stuff, that's a really awesome looking car you've got going on.