Will S4 camshafts fit on my S3 (86.5) engine?
09-26-2010, 10:18 AM
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Will S4 camshafts fit on my S3 (86.5) engine?
Hi there
I have a technical question and I first tried the forum search, but unfortunately I couldn't find a suitable answer to my question.
A larger service on my 86.5 (S3) shark was due and I put the amount of 5k $ to keep the system running. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, camshaft chains etc.
On this occasione, we found out that the spur-gears (?) on the camshafts are no longer in good shape and that the camshafts need to be replaced in a not too distant future.
Anyway, as the 86.5 camshafts are no longer available, I have the opportunity to buy like-new S4 camshafts (from a 88' model) for a reasonable price . A friend of mine, with whom I use to maintaine the car, would sell these camshafts to me, so I do not have to worry that there are any doubts on this parts.
But, and this is my question, will the S4 camshafts fit to my motor? Has anyone of you done this before and what else is to be considered - as far as I konw the S4 cams have a different valve-timing.
I am greatfully looking forward for you help.
Regards from Switzerland
Stefan
I have a technical question and I first tried the forum search, but unfortunately I couldn't find a suitable answer to my question.
A larger service on my 86.5 (S3) shark was due and I put the amount of 5k $ to keep the system running. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, camshaft chains etc.
On this occasione, we found out that the spur-gears (?) on the camshafts are no longer in good shape and that the camshafts need to be replaced in a not too distant future.
Anyway, as the 86.5 camshafts are no longer available, I have the opportunity to buy like-new S4 camshafts (from a 88' model) for a reasonable price . A friend of mine, with whom I use to maintaine the car, would sell these camshafts to me, so I do not have to worry that there are any doubts on this parts.
But, and this is my question, will the S4 camshafts fit to my motor? Has anyone of you done this before and what else is to be considered - as far as I konw the S4 cams have a different valve-timing.
I am greatfully looking forward for you help.
Regards from Switzerland
Stefan
09-26-2010, 01:41 PM
#5
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Stefan,
I am making new billet cams (which will be done soon), they will have a much more aggressive grindings available.
As well the S4 cams cannot fit into the S3 heads with out much work.
The S3 camshafts are longer. If you use them you have to block off oiling ports at the back of the head like the S4 does. You will also then have to somehow reduce the bearing surface on one of the exhaust cams.
And at that point, you will also be loosing power as the S4 cams are far far worse than the already restrictive S3/GT cams.
I am making new billet cams (which will be done soon), they will have a much more aggressive grindings available.
As well the S4 cams cannot fit into the S3 heads with out much work.
The S3 camshafts are longer. If you use them you have to block off oiling ports at the back of the head like the S4 does. You will also then have to somehow reduce the bearing surface on one of the exhaust cams.
And at that point, you will also be loosing power as the S4 cams are far far worse than the already restrictive S3/GT cams.
09-26-2010, 04:08 PM
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Hi folks,
thank you very much for your reply. Well, new S3 cams are no longer available in Germany or Switzerland - that's the point and used ones in good shape are difficult to find. In Europe the 86.5 model was never as popular as in the US, I guess.
@Colin. What will your cams cost and is there a thread where I can get some more information?
Regards
Stefan
EDIT - o.k., I found the info here. I'll get back to this tomorrow. It's 9.20 p.m. over here and I am tired
thank you very much for your reply. Well, new S3 cams are no longer available in Germany or Switzerland - that's the point and used ones in good shape are difficult to find. In Europe the 86.5 model was never as popular as in the US, I guess.
@Colin. What will your cams cost and is there a thread where I can get some more information?
Regards
Stefan
EDIT - o.k., I found the info here. I'll get back to this tomorrow. It's 9.20 p.m. over here and I am tired
09-26-2010, 04:51 PM
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I think S4 cams into S3 heads is much easier job than S3 into S4. All that is needed is block some oil lines in heads and add custom bolt on spacer into one exhaust cam. No welding needed etc. what is required to do S3 to S4 conversion.
There were no '86.5 in ROW markets. There were optional 32V S available for entire model year which included "S4" updates to suspension and brakes. Same updates were in 16V S also. 32V S was so rare when new that used S3 cams are and have always been hard to find in Europe. I have seen only two or three complete engines for sale in past 10 year. Though I haven't been specifically looking for them more than few years.
There were no '86.5 in ROW markets. There were optional 32V S available for entire model year which included "S4" updates to suspension and brakes. Same updates were in 16V S also. 32V S was so rare when new that used S3 cams are and have always been hard to find in Europe. I have seen only two or three complete engines for sale in past 10 year. Though I haven't been specifically looking for them more than few years.
