Replace worn camshaft

[Anthony Violi]

Recently purchased a 1995 P38 HSE. I have decided to work on the engine for some fun. Heads are off and rocker arms cleaned. Have learnt that my camshaft is worn and is detrimental to the health of the vehicle. I want to replace the cam myself but not sure how. Should I tackle while engine is in car? or take engine out and do a more comprehensive clean/ overhaul?
I would appreciate any opinions/ tips on how to best tackle project.

[p38arover]

It can be done in car. I did it on mine about 13 years ago. Removing the engine is a pain if you don't have to do it. If you do take the engine out, carefully inspect the flex plate for any cracks. If you find any, replace it to avoid this:

FTC4606 doesn't anyone ever replace them?

As the timing cover has to come off, you might want to check the oil pump. Gears are available on eBay.

OIL Pump Gears Range Rover P38A Discovery II | eBay

Alternatively, get a complete new timing cover with oil pump.

The recommendation is to also replace the cam followers/lifters at the same time.

See also this: RPi Engineering - V8 Engines

Re the cam, you might consider a different profile depending on your planned use for the vehicle.

On the last engine work we did on mine, we fitted Cometic head gaskets ($400) and ARP head studs ($305). See My thanks to Scouse...

BTW, did you know the bonnet will go vertical on a P38A? Mine:

[Anthony Violi]

Thanks for info! I now have more confidence. Great tip! Re vertical bonnet, will give it a go.
What cam would you recommend for more power, mainly on road use?

[p38arover]

I can't help with cam info. I can't recall what cam I currently have (it's different to what I fitted back in 2002 - that was a stock cam). The present cam is a Range Rover Classic cam that was modified for the P38A engine by Davis Performance Landys in Sydney.

Re the bonnet, unclip the two struts, lift the bonnet vertical, and then rotate the spring locking clips on the hinges over the locating pins.

EDIT: I just found this on the 'net.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HaXPKN1lNg[/ame]

[TheTree]

You have a copy of RAVE as well I assume ?

Here are the model numbers and specs for a couple of crow cams i found while i was researching rover cams

******* CROW CAMS SELECT PROGRAM *******

16 COLBERT RD CAMPBELLFIELD 3061
phone (03) 9357 0469 fax (03) 9357 0001
WWW.Crowcams.com.au


MODEL TYPE RANGE ROVER 4.6l thrust plate
---------------------------CROW COMPUTER CARD----------------------------
| PART NUMBER 371771 Date 29-NOV-05 |
| Cam type: Hydraulic type Profile MIN LIFTER DIA.753 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Advance Ground on Cam: 4 Lobe separation: 111 |
| .050 VALVE TIMING |
| Inlet opens: -7 BTDC Closes: 27 ABDC .050 Duration: 200 |
| Exhaust Opens: 38 BBDC Closes: -12 ATDC .050 Duration: 205 |
| ADVERTISED VALVE TIMING |
| Inlet opens: 22 BTDC Closes: 56 ABDC ADV Duration: 258 |
| Exhaust Opens: 66 BBDC Closes: 16 ATDC ADV Duration: 262 |
| Inlet lobe lift at TDC on the over lap:.037 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Valve lift Inlet: .3966 Inlet Rocker Ratio: 1.50 |
| Valve lift Exhaust: .4082 Exhaust Rocker Ratio: 1.50 |
| |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| RECOMENDED VALVE TRAIN COMPONENTS |
| Valve Springs: Spring height: Collets: |
| Retainers: Pushrod: Lifters: |
| H/D Timing Set: |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|


MODEL TYPE RANGE ROVER 4.6l thrust plate
---------------------------CROW COMPUTER CARD----------------------------
| PART NUMBER 371613 Date 21-MAY-14 |
| Cam type: Hydraulic type Profile MIN LIFTER DIA.688 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Advance Ground on Cam: 2 Lobe separation: 112 |
| .050 VALVE TIMING |
| Inlet opens: -13 BTDC Closes: 27 ABDC .050 Duration: 194 |
| Exhaust Opens: 35 BBDC Closes: -13 ATDC .050 Duration: 202 |
| ADVERTISED VALVE TIMING |
| Inlet opens: 17 BTDC Closes: 57 ABDC ADV Duration: 254 |
| Exhaust Opens: 66 BBDC Closes: 18 ATDC ADV Duration: 264 |
| Inlet lobe lift at TDC on the over lap:.026 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Valve lift Inlet: .3902 Inlet Rocker Ratio: 1.50 |
| Valve lift Exhaust: .4091 Exhaust Rocker Ratio: 1.50 |
| |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| RECOMENDED VALVE TRAIN COMPONENTS |
| Valve Springs: Spring height: Collets: |
| Retainers: Pushrod: Lifters: |
| H/D Timing Set: |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------|


Steve

[Anthony Violi]

Thanks Wizard. Will research given info and make a few calls.

[Anthony Violi]

I do have RAVE downloaded onto iPhone. Need to print out for easier read, not getting any younger.

[p38arover]

To go with my post above about the vertical bonnet:

[davidsonsm]

I used a Kent cam mild road for the HC/top hatted engine I had built for me. Pleased with the results. Mainly torque biased in terms of improvements.

[Anthony Violi]

Working on 95 p38 4.6. Need reassurance that if I follow RAVE manual will I be ok? Have cross referenced rebuilds posted on net. Is there anything RAVE manual does not outline?