Kelford camshafts, Nissan SR20DET GTi-R, 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 Nissan SR20DET GTi-R, solid lifters engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.
Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine
Profile 186-A
An upgraded GTi-R profile for a 54–66 mm turbo. Requires upgraded springs, KVS22 is recommended. The profile can also be used in a rear-wheel-drive SR20DET with a solid-lifter conversion.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.15mm cold at the cam | 0.20mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 7.75mm | 7.75mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.55 | 1.55 |
| Net valve lift | 11.78mm | 11.70mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 270° | 270° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 232° | 232° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 8 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 44 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 52 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 0 TDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 108° | 116° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 1.80mm | 0.95 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 186-B
Mid-range and top-end race profile for a 64–72 mm turbo. Recommended springs: KVS22. The same profile can also be made for a rear-wheel-drive SR20DET using a solid-lifter conversion.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.15mm cold at the cam | 0.20mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 7.96mm | 7.75mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.55 | 1.55 |
| Net valve lift | 12.10mm | 11.70mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 272° | 276° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 232° | 238° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 8 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 44 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 56 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 2 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 108° | 117° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 1.85mm | 1.09 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 186-C
For a built racing engine with a ported head, larger valves and a 67 mm or larger turbo. Intended for E85 or methanol. Recommended springs: KVS22. The profile can also be used in a rear-wheel-drive SR20DET with a solid-lifter conversion.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.15mm cold at the cam | 0.20mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 8.21mm | 8.01mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.55 | 1.55 |
| Net valve lift | 12.50mm | 12.10mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 284° | 290° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 242° | 248° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 11 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 51 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 62 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 6 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 110° | 118° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.17mm | 1.62 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 186-D
Top-end-focused drag profile for a turbo of at least 72 mm, high boost and methanol. Recommended springs: KVS22. The same profile can also be made for a rear-wheel-drive SR20DET using a solid-lifter conversion.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.15mm cold at the cam | 0.20mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 8.21mm | 8.01mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1.55 | 1.55 |
| Net valve lift | 12.50mm | 12.10mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 294° | 300° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 250° | 256° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 15 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 55 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 68 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 8 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 110° | 120° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.57mm | 1.54 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
- Nissan Pulsar GTi-R RNN14, SR20DET (1990–1994)
- Nissan Sunny GTi-R RNN14, SR20DET (1990–1994)
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

