Cat Cams Camshaft Sets (BMW M42)

Cat Cams, the finest value in camshafts today offers grinds that provide winning performance for race cars and reliable performance for both street and track vehicles.

VAC is North Americas exclusive dealer of Cat Cams components. We have had many years of success with their BMW products that we can say with confidence are some of the best available. These are Cat's race use profiles for the M42 4 cyl engine.

We can help you select the profile that is right for you if you have questions. Talk to one of our engine consultants to guide you into the proper camshaft for your specific racing application...

Important notes about Cat M42 race cams:

Inventory: As M42 are not very popular next to their 6 cylinder brethren, most of these M42 cams are made to order and not stocked items.

Cat Cams NOTE:

• Cat states that these are for use with the 318is head or heads with 7mm valvestem diameter.
  We have had feedback of users using these with 6mm (later E36 heads) but have not confirmed fitment for all applications and cannot offer advice for this procedure.
• The following details must be verified: The camshafs must turn smooth in the cylinderhead, provide free travel by machining where needed - distance between valve seal and retainer at full lift must be 0.6mm at least - minimum valve spring travel of 1.0mm at full lift must be provided - distance between valve and piston 1.0mm (pref. 1.5mm). check 5-15° before TDC on exhaust, and after TDC on intake .

VAC Tech Tips:

• All race camshaft upgrades should be accompanied by upgraded valve springs for performance and engine reliability. If the engine is ever over revved, or you accidentally miss shift, the engine could be damaged. Uprated springs will help protect against this and are strictly recommended.
• As with any new camshaft, new cam followers should always be fitted