...Where can I find an after market cam for my '87 Civic SI w/stock d15a3? Can I have my stock one re-ground for more performance?

Im looking for a little more aggressive cam but nothing to crazy thats going to dramatically affect the way the car runs/idles.

I was looking into rebuilding this motor and pep'n it up a little but not quite sure if I want to spend the money on that or just drop in a dohc zc... any suggestions or comment are greatly appreciated!

 

If you're in Bremerton, you should hit up Delta Cams in Tacoma. They'll do a regrind for you for under $100 usually and lots of times it's same day even. They're really cool guys.

 

Yeah Im in Bremerton, Ive heard of Delta Cams just didnt know they were located out of Tacoma WA...

...and what exactly does a re-grind consist of? lol

 

I'm not sure of the details, but they take your cam, put it in some sort of machine, and literally grind it to the new specifications. You can talk to them, and they'll usually tell you what cam specs will do what to your power curve and help you pick the right one.

 

on a regrind they literally weld onto the lobes, then regrind them to be larger for more lift/duration. they typically dont last nearly as long as a billet or factory blank that has been cut, but they're also a LOT cheaper. they're fine, i've used them before.

 

Sounds good! Ill probably be hitting them up this weekend!

Thanks guys!

 

For under $100 i doubt Delta will be welding onto the cam. Probably just grinding down the base circle to get you more lift and duration. As long as it's a mild cam, I don't think they have to weld.

 

if they are taking the lobe down wouldnt you be getting less of one or the other

 

also i sent my A20 cam out for the 272 regrind

Scott is an awesome guy to deal w/ and as far a their work, a few of my friends have been using them so i dont doubt them

 

That's what I initially thought. The best way I can describe it, is that instead of grinding down the lobe that sticks out on top, they mostly grind down the bottom side of the camshaft to make the base circle smaller, then you readjust your valve lash to match. Ultimately regrinds aren't the best thing because they sort of mess with the geometry of the rockers. But that's why a mild grind is just fine like this. A mid range cam would probably involve some welding, but gets a bit more expensive. And a really expensive, top of the line camshaft I imagine involve a billet or maybe a cast blank that can be ground to any spec.

 

hmm im lost lol

guess ill just compare it when i get it back

 

Cam lift (like the 272 regrind) is found by measuring the tallest part of the lobe and then subtract the measurement of the narrowest part of that same lobe.

So when they grind they never touch the very top of the lobe, only the sides.
Though no material is added you can create more lift by making the lobe narrower.

 

Anyone know the specs of their cams? Dyno results? Been looking into them but can't find any decent info on them for bseries.

 

Another alternative is www.webcamshafts.com.

They make four different cam grinds for the D15A3. I have the mildest and it is great. I only regret not gettting the next more aggressive grind, because guys I know have it and love it. The last two grinds are not suitable for street engines, but they work well.

Do not be scared off by a good quality regrind.

Scott

 

To continue along this line of inquiry, does anyone know where you can get the lobes welded, or what kind of hardened steel wire/filler rod is appropriate to weld it with? Does doing so require any special technique or equipment, or can any decent welder do it with the right filler rod?