Kelford camshafts, Toyota 3S-GE / 3S-GTE Gen 2
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 Toyota 3S-GE / 3S-GTE Gen 2 engine. Profile differences, spring recommendations and required modifications are detailed below.
Technical specifications – available profiles for this engine
Profile 2-195-A
For a mildly modified naturally aspirated 3S-GE Gen 2. Adds mid-range and top-end pull for rallying or circuit racing with free-flowing intake and exhaust. Operating range extends to approximately 8,500–9,000 rpm depending on the engine. Recommended springs: KVS109-3S.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm cold at the cam | 0.30mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.15mm | 9.90mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 9.90mm | 9.60mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.30mm | 276° | 270° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 240° | 232° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 17 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 43 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 43 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 9 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 103° | 107° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.80mm | 1.92 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 2-195-B
For a modified naturally aspirated 3S-GE Gen 2, adding mid-range and top-end pull for rallying or circuit racing. Requires free-flowing intake and exhaust and suits increased compression. Depending on the engine, power extends to approximately 9,000–9,500 rpm. Recommended springs: KVS109-3S.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm cold at the cam | 0.30mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.85mm | 10.20mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.60mm | 9.90mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.30mm | 290° | 274° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 252° | 236° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 26 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 46 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 43 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 13 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 100° | 105° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 3.82mm | 2.51 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 2-195-C
For a naturally aspirated racing engine with increased compression, a mildly ported head and suitable intake and exhaust, including 45 mm individual throttle bodies. Offers more top-end pull than B, extending to approximately 9,500–10,000 rpm depending on the engine. Suitable for rallying or circuit racing with close-ratio gearing. Recommended springs: KVS109-3S.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm cold at the cam | 0.30mm cold at the cam |
| Cam lift | 10.85mm | 10.20mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 10.60mm | 9.90mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.30mm | 300° | 286° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 260° | 248° |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 31 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 49 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 48 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 20 ATDC |
| Suggested centre lines | 99° | 104° |
| Valve lift at TDC | 4.30mm | 3.28 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 2-195-D
Top-end-focused race profile for at least 12:1 compression, a ported head, larger valves and suitable intake and exhaust parts. Requires individual throttle bodies of at least 45 mm. More top-end pull than the C profile, working beyond 10000 rpm depending on the build.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 10.85mm | 10.55mm |
| Net valve lift | 10.60mm | 10.25mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.30mm | 314° | 302° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 272° | 262° |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Suggested centre lines | 99 ATDC | 102 BTDC |
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm Set COLD at the CAM | 0.30mm Set COLD at the CAM |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 37 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 55 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 53 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 29 ATDC |
| Valve lift at TDC | 4.78mm | 4.40 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 2-195-TA
Street turbo profile for the original shim arrangement in a 3S-GTE with the stock turbo or a 48–54 mm upgrade. Adds mid-range pull while retaining driveability. Suitable for E85. Recommended springs: KVS109-3S.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 9.55mm | 9.60mm |
| Net valve lift | 9.30mm | 9.30mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.30mm | 258° | 258° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 222° | 222° |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Suggested centre lines | 110 ATDC | 112 BTDC |
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm Set COLD at the CAM | 0.30mm Set COLD at the CAM |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 1 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 41 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 43 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 1 BTDC |
| Valve lift at TDC | 1.13mm | 0.85 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 2-195-TB
Profile for the original shim arrangement with a 54–62 mm turbo in circuit or roll racing use. Focused on mid-range and top-end pull. Suitable for E85. Recommended springs: KVS109-3S.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 9.85mm | 9.90mm |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Net valve lift | 9.60mm | 9.60mm |
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm COLD at the CAM | 0.30mm COLD at the CAM |
| Advertised duration @ 0.30mm | 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 | 1.80 mm | 0.95 mm |
Manufacturer profile information
Profile 2-195-TC
3S-GTE race profile for approximately 58–64 mm or larger turbos. Suits drag, roll racing and circuit use, focusing on top-end pull. Suitable for E85. Recommended springs: KVS109-3S.
| Specification | Intake | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Cam lift | 10.15mm | 10.20mm |
| Net valve lift | 9.90mm | 9.90mm |
| Advertised duration @ 0.30mm | 278° | 278° |
| Duration @ 1.00mm valve lift | 240° | 240° |
| Rocker ratio | 1 | 1 |
| Suggested centre lines | 105 ATDC | 115 BTDC |
| Valve clearance | 0.25mm Set COLD at the CAM | 0.30mm Set COLD at the CAM |
| Timing IVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | 15 BTDC | – |
| Timing IVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | 45 ABDC | – |
| Timing EVO @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 55 BBDC |
| Timing EVC @ 1.00mm valve lift | – | 5 ATDC |
| Valve lift at TDC | 2.58mm | 1.47 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
- Toyota Celica ST182 3S-GE (1989–1993)
- Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 3S-GTE (1989–1993)
- Toyota MR2 SW20 3S-GE / 3S-GTE (1989–1993)
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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