Kelford camshafts, Mazda MZR 2.0 LF-VE VVT
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 MZR 2.0 LF-VE VVT engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.
Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine
Profile 211-B
A Stage 1 profile for a near-standard naturally aspirated LF-VE. Adds mid-range pull while keeping responsive throttle behaviour. Compatible with standard valve springs, although Kelford recommends KVS17 springs for high-mileage engines.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm cold at the cam | 0.30mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.05mm | 8.80mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 9.80mm | 8.50mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 260° | 242° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 221° | 210° |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 33 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 3 BTDC |
| Suggested centre lines | Vari | 108° |
| Valve lift at TDC | – | 0.73 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 211-C
For a naturally aspirated engine built for rallying, circuit racing or hillclimbs. Recommended compression is at least 11:1, with an aftermarket intake manifold or individual throttle bodies. The recommended spring and retainer upgrade is KVS17X-T.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.35mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 11.30mm | 11.35mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 11.00mm | 11.00mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 278° | 272° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 244° | 238° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 16 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 48 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 49 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 9 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 106° | 110° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.70mm | 2.10 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 211-D
Longer duration for a fully built naturally aspirated engine, including drift or drag applications. Requires a ported head, free-flowing exhaust and individual throttle bodies. Recommended compression is at least 12.5:1. Kelford recommends the KVS17X-T spring and retainer kit.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.35mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 11.55mm | 11.60mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 11.25mm | 11.25mm |
| Advertised duration | 292° | 282° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 248° | 242° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 18 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 50 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 51 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 11 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 106° | 110° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.90mm | 2.10 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 211-T
Stage 1 for a turbocharged MZR with a 48–54 mm turbo. Adds mid-range pull while keeping good throttle response. Standard springs can be used below 14 psi with the factory rev limit retained. KVS17-X springs are recommended for high-mileage engines or higher boost and rpm.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm cold at the cam | 0.30mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.05mm | 10.10mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 9.80mm | 9.80mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 264° | 264° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 224° | 224° |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 48 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 4 BTDC |
| Suggested centre lines | Vari | 116° |
| Valve lift at TDC | – | 0.66 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 211-T2
Stage 2 for a turbocharged MZR making approximately 400–550+ hp with a 54–60 mm turbo. Focuses on mid-range and top-end power and works with E85. Recommended springs: KVS17-X.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.35mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.85mm | 10.90mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.55mm | 10.55mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 266° | 276° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 228° | 236° |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 54 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 2 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | Vari | 116° |
| Valve lift at TDC | – | 1.19 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 NC 2.0 LF-VE (2005–2015)
- Mazda 3 2.0 LF-VE (2003–2013)
- Mazda 5 2.0 LF-VE (2005–2015)
- Mazda 6 2.0 LF-VE (2002–2010)
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.
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