Kelford camshafts, Honda K20/K24 i-VTEC (2001-2011)

Kelford camshafts, Honda K20/K24 i-VTEC

Kelford is a New Zealand camshaft manufacturer with roots in Christchurch dating back to 1968. Its profiles range from upgrades for street-driven cars to fully built race engines. Choose the cam around the rest of the engine and its intended use, rather than simply picking the longest duration.

This selection is for the Honda K20/K24 i-VTEC engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.

Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine

Profile 179-A

Stage 1 for a 2.0-litre K20, including a standard engine with intake and exhaust upgrades. Adds pull across the rev range compared with TSX cams. Low-speed intake lobes: 250° / 204° / 8.0 mm and 254° / 208° / 9.2 mm, exhaust: 252° / 206° / 9.0 mm. The duration figures are advertised duration and duration at 1 mm lift.

Manufacturer profile information

Profile 179-B2

For a built K20A/K24A racing engine with a ported head and individual throttle bodies or a racing manifold. Strong mid-range pull, a conventional plenum produces a rougher idle. Low-speed intake lobes: 250° / 204° / 8.6 mm and 256° / 212° / 10.0 mm, exhaust: 254° / 208° / 9.2 mm. Duration figures are advertised duration and duration at 1 mm lift.

Manufacturer profile information

Profile 179-C

For large-capacity, extensively built naturally aspirated K-series race engines, including midget single-seaters. Requires at least 13:1 compression, a CNC-ported head and high rpm. Low-lobe figures: intake 250° / 204° / 8.6 mm and 256° / 212° / 10.0 mm, exhaust 254° / 208° / 9.2 mm.

Manufacturer profile information

Profile 179-T1

Stage 1 turbo profile for approximately 600–1,000 hp and a 62–68 mm turbo. Smaller side lobes retain responsive throttle behaviour in a 2.0-litre engine. The manufacturer specifies operation up to 11,000 rpm with KVS79-KX springs. Low-speed intake lobes: 250° / 204° / 8.0 mm and 254° / 208° / 9.2 mm, exhaust: 252° / 206° / 9.0 mm. Duration figures are advertised and at 1 mm lift.

Manufacturer profile information

Profile 179-T2

A drag profile for over 1,400 hp with a 75–86 mm turbo, particularly methanol-fuelled cars running around seven seconds. KVS79-KX springs are required at 11,000 rpm. Low-speed intake lobes: 250° / 204° / 8.6 mm and 256° / 212° / 10.0 mm, exhaust: 254° / 208° / 9.2 mm. Duration figures are advertised and at 1 mm lift.

Manufacturer profile information

Profile 179-X

A custom profile for the K20/K24 i-VTEC engine. Duration, lift and timing are specified around the engine parts, intended use and power target. This is not a shelf profile with fixed cam-card figures.

Manufacturer profile information

Checking heights are shown with the duration figures. Net lift is the net valve movement specified by the manufacturer, while cam lift is listed separately. IVO/IVC denote intake valve opening/closing and EVO/EVC exhaust valve opening/closing. BTDC/ATDC mean before/after top dead centre, and BBDC/ABDC before/after bottom dead centre.

Installation and profile selection

Confirm the exact engine version, valvetrain design and the modifications required by the profile. Check cam timing and valve-to-piston clearance during installation. Springs, lifters and other supporting parts mentioned with a profile are not included unless the profile explicitly states that they come with the kit.

Examples of related vehicle applications

• Honda Civic Type R EP3 / FN2 / FD2, K20A/K20A2/K20Z4 (2001–2011)
• Honda Integra Type R DC5, K20A (2001–2006)
• Acura RSX Type-S, K20A2/K20Z1 (2002–2006)
• Honda Accord Euro R CL7, K20A (2002–2008)
• Honda Accord CL9, K24A3 (2003–2008)
• Acura TSX CL9, K24A2 (2004–2008)

The list covers versions with the specified engines only. Exact fitment and required modifications depend on the selected profile, cylinder head, lifters and timing system.

Kelford Cams