Cam timing 101: Will this engine run?

Keep it on topic, it will make it easier to find what you need.
ORFORD2004
Posts: 1120
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:48 pm
Your car is a: 1983 PININFARINA
Location: Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada

Re: Cam timing 101: Will this engine run?

Post by ORFORD2004 »

I just check my cam. With lobe 1 down and lobe 4 up, your cam pin should be just past the cam tower mark.
Look like you need a cam or a different pulley.
Spider951
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 131
Joined: Mon May 29, 2017 8:44 am
Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL

Re: Cam timing 101: Will this engine run?

Post by Spider951 »

I decided to open up back end of cam towers from '82 engine (you know, the one with the UFO camshafts). Here is what I found (exhaust in attached photo). Looks like they are Reed cams. Exhaust says "Reed I9073 SA39 EX"; Intake: Reed I9074 SA39 IN". Does this mean anything to you camshaft experts? Only thing I've found is that they are probably old - Reed no longer around. Apparently Reed cams were used by hot-rodders back in the day (??). What they are doing in an '82 Fiat engine - who knows.
IMHO there are a few options, including: (1) try this '82 engine as is (I have already replaced cam seals, timing belt, new aux pulley, etc), (2) make more of a Frankenstein engine out of it by replacing the Reed cams with the cams from the '81 engine , (3) try to find some professional help, i.e. clean and rebuild entire head from one of these engines ($ option), (4) just buy a rebuilt head from one of our vendors (even more $ option). I'm pretty sure the cyl head from '81 needs at a minimum new valve guides and seals, etc. from the amount of blue smoke when cranked (and carbon buildup I can see). Any info/advice will be appreciated.

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BEEK
Posts: 1833
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:45 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Spider
Location: clermont fl

Re: Cam timing 101: Will this engine run?

Post by BEEK »

I am from atlanta, where REED cams was located. They made / ground many sets for me. I dont remember the grind numbers but everything they did for me was a class act. I used them for years
Automotive Service Technology Instructor (34 year Fiat mechanic)
75 spider
, 6 Lancia Scorpions, 2018 Abarth Spider, 500X wifes, 500L 3 82 Zagatos. 82 spider 34k original miles, 83 pininfarina, 8 fiat spider parts cars
son has 78 spider
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