Cosworth camshaft codes

[Jacques]

What do these codes indicate on these Cosworth camshafts from a 1988 red top engine (described as a YB)  intake, left side is LYD 5, right side is LYD 3.  Car is new to me and am trying to get a baseline for it.

[Croc]

 

Please identify the camshafts by inlet and exhaust side.  I think you are likely standing at front of engine and looking back?

 

A standard Ford YB camshaft should have the following:

- Between cylinder 1 and 2 lobes - look for "FORD"

- After cylinder 2 lobe - "H"  I suspect this is a factory of source code.

- Before cylinder 3 lobe - A single digit number of some kind.  

- Between cylinder 3 and 4 lobes - "LYDX" where X is a single digit number.  This is your performance grind spec

- After cylinder 4 lobe - "YNXXXX" where X are numbers.  I believe this is a batch code.

 

You may have to manually turn the engine over to see all the codes on the camshaft.

 

The level of grind or performance stage was indicated by the LYD number.  As it was explained to me the higher the number the higher the lift.  It is normal for inlet and exhaust to be different as they are doing different elements of engine function.  I have never seen anything published on the standard specs for the cams but I know Cosworth UK can identify if you approach them - they still sell the camshafts today.  They identified the performance spec for my YB camshafts which were custom for competition so nothing I have matches yours.  Kent cams will know as well - they sell replacements.

 

Inlet: LYD 1, 2, 3

Exhaust: LYD 4, 5, 6 

 

If you do not see the FORD logo then likely you have an aftermarket camshaft grind.  Most quality cam suppliers will stamp their identification somewhere on the camshaft.  I know Kent cams do.  Look at the end of the camshaft pointing at the firewall.  Is there a stamping beginning with "K"?  If yes then you have a Kent Cams product.

[MV8]

May help to measure the lift with a dial indicator and stand or possibly a dial caliper if you've room, measuring a lobe major and minor od and subtract. LSA and overlap would require a protractor and a dial indicator and stand or some other way to mount it. A steel strip to the cover flange and a magnetic base would work. Are the pulleys adjustable?

[Jacques]

Brother, you're way over my head  on your analysis of the situation here.  Thank god for friends with mechanical insight...we'll keep on this and work on your suggestions.  Thank you for the thoughts. J