Kelford camshafts, Mazda MZR 2.3 DISI L3-VDT
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 2.3 DISI L3-VDT engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.
Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine
Profile 247-A
An EZ profile for a 48–54 mm turbo upgrade. Adds low- and mid-range pull with responsive throttle behaviour. Factory springs can be used with the standard rev limit and boost not exceeding 16 psi. KVS17-X springs are recommended for high-mileage engines or higher boost.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.35mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 9.80mm | 9.85mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 9.50mm | 9.50mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 252° | 252° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 212° | 212° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 18 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 50 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 36 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 4 BTDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 124° | 110° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.06mm | 0.62 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 247-B
Stage 2 for approximately 350–500 hp with a 54–60 mm turbo. Adds mid-range pull while retaining street manners. Suitable for E85. Recommended springs: KVS17-X.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.35mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.55mm | 10.85mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.25mm | 10.50mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 260° | 268° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 220° | 228° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 18 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 58 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 48 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 0 TDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 128° | 114° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.08mm | 0.99 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 247-C
A circuit-racing profile for approximately 500–750 hp and a 58–65 mm turbo. Turbo size refers to compressor inducer diameter. Suitable for E85 and similar ethanol blends. 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 IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 16 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 64 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 52 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 4 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 130° | 114° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.16mm | 1.37 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 247-C2
A racing profile for approximately 650–900 hp with a 62–68 mm turbo. Intended for high-rpm, high-boost, full-throttle use on E85 or a similar blend. Recommended spring and retainer kit: 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 | 272° | 278° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm cam lift | 238° | 244° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm cam lift | 7 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm cam lift | 51 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm cam lift | – | 60 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm cam lift | – | 4 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 112° | 118° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 1.74mm | 1.34 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 247-D
A drag profile for a built engine making approximately 750–1,000+ hp with a 68 mm or larger turbo. Intended for E85 or methanol. Recommended spring and retainer kit: KVS17X-T.
| 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 @ 0.10mm | 282° | 292° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 242° | 248° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 9 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 53 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 62 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 6 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 112° | 118° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 1.96mm | 1.56 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 3 MPS BK/BL 2.3 DISI (2006–2013)
- Mazda 6 MPS GG 2.3 DISI (2005–2007)
- Mazda CX-7 2.3 DISI Turbo (2006–2012)
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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