Kelford camshafts, Mitsubishi 4G63 Evo 1–3, solid 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 Mitsubishi 4G63 Evo 1–3, solid lifters engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.
Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine
Profile 1-SLX260
Profile for 4G63 rally engines running a restrictor. Suits a 32–40 mm intake restrictor and a 48–58 mm turbo where throttle response matters. The original hydraulic lifters must be replaced with solid lifters. Kelford recommends KVS63-BTK springs up to 8000 rpm and 35 psi boost.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.20mm cold at the cam | 0.20mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 6.27mm | 6.27mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.73 | 1.73 |
| Net valve lift | 10.50mm | 10.50mm |
| Advertised duration | 260° | 264° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 212° | 220° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 1 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 33 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 43 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 3 BTDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 107° | 113° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.97mm | 0.79 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 1-SLX272
Versatile solid-lifter profile for a 4G63 race engine making 400–700 hp with a 54–64 mm turbo. This is the solid-lifter version of TX272. The original hydraulic lifters must be replaced. KVS63-BTK springs are recommended up to 8500 rpm and 35 psi boost.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.20mm cold at the cam | 0.20mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 6.56mm | 6.56mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.73 | 1.73 |
| Net valve lift | 11.00mm | 11.00mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 272° | 274° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 228° | 230° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 6 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 42 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 50 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 0 TDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 108° | 115° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 1.46mm | 0.99 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 1-SLX282
For time attack or drag engines making over 700 hp. Recommended turbo size starts at 62 mm. Suitable for E85 and similar ethanol fuels. Requires solid lifters in place of the originals. KVS63-EXTREME springs are recommended up to 9000 rpm and 40 psi boost.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.20mm cold at the cam | 0.20mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 6.85mm | 6.85mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.73 | 1.73 |
| Net valve lift | 11.50mm | 11.50mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 282° | 288° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 240° | 244° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 11 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 49 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 58 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 6 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 109° | 116° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.04mm | 1.35 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 1-SLX294
Drag profile for high rpm and boost, with a turbo of at least 76 mm and ethanol fuel or methanol. Requires solid lifters in place of the originals. Developed with Boostin Performance's Red Demon car. Recommended springs: KVS63-EXTREME.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.10mm cold at the cam | 0.10mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 7.04mm | 7.04mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.73 | 1.73 |
| Net valve lift | 12.00mm | 12.00mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 294° | 300° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 252° | 258° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 16 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 56 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 67 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 11 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 110° | 118° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.50mm | 1.81 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
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 1–3, 4G63 (1992–1996)
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

