Whether you're chasing lap times, building a street weapon, or simply refining your engine’s breathing, camshafts and valve springs are at the heart of performance tuning. Kelford Cams, a New Zealand-based brand with decades of motorsport pedigree, has earned global respect for its precision-engineered valvetrain components. In this post, we’ll break down what makes Kelford’s camshafts and valve springs stand out, and help you decide which setup suits your build.
Are you looking for Kelford products? Check out our brand page here
Why Upgrade Your Camshafts?
Your camshaft controls the timing and duration of your engine’s valve movements, essentially dictating how your engine breathes. Upgrading your camshaft can:
- Increase horsepower and torque across specific RPM ranges
- Optimise airflow for forced induction setups
- Improve throttle response and engine character
- Support higher rev limits with upgraded valvetrain components
However, choosing the right camshaft isn’t just about chasing big numbers. It’s about matching the cam profile to your engine’s purpose, whether that’s daily drivability, track use, or drag racing.
Understanding Kelford Camshaft Specs
Kelford’s camshafts are labelled with duration figures, for example, 276/286. This refers to the number of crankshaft degrees the intake and exhaust valves stay open. Here’s what those numbers mean:
- Lower duration (e.g. 260–270): Smoother idle, better low-end torque, ideal for street use.
- Mid-range duration (e.g. 270–280): Balanced performance, suitable for fast road and occasional track.
- Higher duration (e.g. 280+): Aggressive profiles, more top-end power, suited for race applications.
Stages Explained
Kelford often categorises camshafts by “Stage” - a shorthand for how aggressive the profile is:
|
Stage |
Intended Use |
Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
|
Stage 1 |
Fast road / mild upgrade |
Minimal idle change, bolt-on performance |
|
Stage 2 |
Street/track hybrid |
Noticeable idle lope, stronger mid-range |
|
Stage 3 |
Track / race |
High RPM power, requires supporting mods |
Each stage is designed with specific goals in mind, so it’s worth considering your full setup, including ECU tuning, intake/exhaust, and fuel system — before choosing.
Kelford Cams EZ Drop-In Range
For those wanting a hassle-free upgrade, Kelford’s EZ Drop-In camshafts are designed to work with factory valve springs and retainers. No machining, no guesswork, just bolt in and tune. They’re ideal for enthusiasts who want improved performance without diving into a full head build.
Kelford Valve Springs: Choosing the Right Type
Valve springs keep your valves seated and control their return motion. As camshaft lift and RPM increase, so does the demand on your springs. Kelford offers several types to suit different builds:
Beehive Springs
- Tapered shape reduces mass and improves valve control
- Excellent for high-RPM applications
- Compatible with lighter retainers for reduced valvetrain weight
Ovate Wire Springs
- Oval-shaped wire increases stress tolerance
- Ideal for aggressive cam profiles
- Offers high lift capacity without coil bind
Single Parallel Springs
- Traditional cylindrical design
- Reliable and cost-effective
- Suitable for mild upgrades and OEM-style builds
Dual Valve Springs
- Two concentric springs for added control
- Prevents valve float at high RPM
- Recommended for race engines and extreme boost
Extreme Valve Spring Range
Kelford’s Extreme Valve Springs are built for engines pushing serious limits, think high boost, big cams, and sustained high RPM. These springs are engineered for maximum seat pressure and durability, ensuring your valvetrain stays in check under the harshest conditions.
The Round Up
Kelford Cams offers a comprehensive range of camshafts and valve springs to suit everything from spirited street builds to full-blown race engines. The key is choosing components that complement your goals, not just your horsepower dreams, but your driving style, budget, and long-term reliability.
If you’re unsure which camshaft or valve spring setup is right for your engine, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you build with confidence