14/45 Camshaft

[Ron Rumbol]

Can anyone please tell me what a Blydenstein camshaft is?

[gordon higginbotham]

My car has one and I have no idea whether it is a regrind or a new one. From memory Blydenstein was a Vauxhall expert and produced new camshafts in the 1960's and 1970's renounced for better torque and drivability rather than max bhp so I don't know if he applied his magic to Talbots! If you have one it would be great to get the profiles, lift and timing measured.

[jameswheildon]

From what I think I remember from what I was told many years ago, in the 1960's Anthony Blight wanted more power from his 105's and went to Blydenstein to inquire about a sportier camshaft. At that time, Blydenstein, who were engine tuners, were making Vauxhall Vivas go faster. Blydenstein suggested the cam profiles should be the same as those they were putting on the Viva. Interestingly, I have read somewhere, possible in Arthur Archer notes that this profile was only suitable for the 105 engine. I had my camshaft in the London to Sydney car reprofiled to this grind many years ago and it did it no harm at all. Now we learn it has been used on a 14/45 as well.

[gordon higginbotham]

James,
Thanks for that information - most useful. I am in there process of gathering all the information I can find on valve timing for all the models from the 14/45 AD to the 110 and have unearthed 6 different part numbers for production cars! I have also a copy of a drawing for a BA originally drawn in 1934 with alterations in 1935 and 1936. I am hoping to be able to trace more drawings. Do you have any suggestions?
Gordon

[jameswheildon]

Hi Gordon,

I don't remember having seen any camshaft drawings. No doubt you have contacted Vinnie? Those with 18 hp cars have often sought out camshafts from the BD series, as they are purported to have more overlap. James.

[Guy Gregory]

I seem to remember talking to Ian Polson about it back in 1988. I think he would be the best person to ask
Guy

[gordon higginbotham]

James & Guy
Many thanks for your advice. I am following up as appropriate. I have located several drawings. Does anybody know if the drawing number will be the same as the part number in the Parts lists? They are certainly of the same type and format.

[Dudley Smith]

I have bought two projector LED headlamp bulbs to improve the usefulness of my headlights which at the moment scatter light in a somewhat haphazard manner....