Kelford camshafts, Mazda B6 1.6, hydraulic lifters
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 Mazda B6 1.6, hydraulic lifters engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.
Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine
Profile 203-A
Stage 1 for a naturally aspirated B6. Adds mid-range pull while retaining street manners and mild idle. Suitable for track days. Recommended springs: KVS12.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 8.60mm | 8.60mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 8.60mm | 8.60mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 256° | 250° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 216° | 210° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 2 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 38 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 35 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 5 BTDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 110° | 110° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.85mm | 0.68 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 203-B
Stage 2 naturally aspirated profile adding mid-range and top-end pull while retaining good street manners. Suits a more free-flowing intake and exhaust, including track-day cars. For hydraulic lifters only. Recommended springs: KVS12.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 9.00mm | 9.00mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 9.00mm | 9.00mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 264° | 256° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 222° | 216° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 3 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 39 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 38 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 2 BTDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 108° | 110° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 1.32mm | 0.80 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 203-C
Stage 3 for a naturally aspirated B6 used in circuit racing or rallying. Adds mid-range and top-end pull. Requires free-flowing intake and exhaust and works with individual throttle bodies. Recommended springs: KVS12.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 10.00mm | 9.00mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.00mm | 9.00mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 272° | 264° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 230° | 222° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 9 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 41 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 39 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 3 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 106° | 108° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.10mm | 1.32 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 203-D
Stage 4 for a naturally aspirated B6 racing engine. Focuses on high-rpm pull. A free-flowing intake and exhaust, ported head and increased compression are recommended. Suitable for individual throttle bodies. Recommended springs: KVS12.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 10.20mm | 10.00mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.20mm | 10.00mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 280° | 272° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 238° | 230° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 15 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 43 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 41 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 9 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 104° | 106° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.90mm | 1.95 mm |
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
- Mazda MX-5 / Eunos Roadster NA 1.6, B6-ZE (1989–1997)
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.
Suomi

