Kelford camshafts, Nissan VR38DETT
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 VR38DETT engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.
Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine
Profile 231-A
Stage 1 EZ-Power profile for a near-stock VR38 with bolt-on upgrades. For around 600–1000 hp using stock or bolt-on turbos, retaining street driveability and throttle response. Stock springs can be used with the original boost pressure and rev limit. KVS38-BT springs are recommended for higher-mileage engines.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.33mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.30mm | 9.58mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.00mm | 9.25mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 266° | 266° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 226° | 226° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 13 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 59 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 48 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 2 BTDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 126° | 115° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.13mm | 0.78 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 231-C
Stage 3 for a built race engine, including circuit and roll racing use. Focused on mid-range and top-end pull. Suits twin 62–68 mm turbos for around 1400–1800 hp and E85. Requires upgraded springs, with KVS38-BT recommended.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.33mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 11.50mm | 11.53mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 11.20mm | 11.20mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 278° | 278° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 240° | 240° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 4 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 64 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 55 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 5 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 124° | 115° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.70mm | 1.47 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 231-D
Drag and roll racing profile for high rpm and boost. For twin turbos of at least 68 mm and over 1600 hp, using E85 or methanol. Requires upgraded springs, with KVS38-X recommended.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.33mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 11.60mm | 11.63mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 11.30mm | 11.30mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 286° | 286° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 246° | 246° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 3 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 69 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 61 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 5 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 126° | 118° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.79mm | 1.68 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 231-E
For a pro drag or roll racing engine making over 2500 hp. Suits a stroker of at least 4.1 litres, twin turbos of at least 74 mm and methanol. Requires upgraded springs, with KVS38-X recommended.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.33mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 11.60mm | 11.63mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 11.30mm | 11.30mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 292° | 298° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 250° | 256° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 1 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 71 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 66 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 10 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 126° | 118° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.99mm | 2.13 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 231-S6
Stage 2 with unequal intake lobes to increase swirl and cylinder filling. Suits street, track-day, roll racing and circuit use. Recommended turbo size: 54–62 mm for around 1000–1400 hp. Focused on mid-range and top-end pull. Requires upgraded springs, with KVS38-BT recommended.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.30mm cold at the cam | 0.33mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.90mm | 10.88mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.60mm | 10.55mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.10mm | 274° | 274° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 234° | 234° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 7 ATDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 61 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 52 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 2 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 124° | 115° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 0.43mm | 1.11 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 GT-R R35 3.8 V6 VR38DETT (2007–2025)
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

