What is a Rev Kit?
REV Kits
We receive calls daily regarding requests for Rev Kits… unfortunately, the understanding of a Rev Kit is completely misunderstood and we’d like to point you in the right direction should you be considering upgrading your ride…
What is a Rev Kit…
The biggest misconception is that by fitting a Rev Kit and removing or changing the Rev Limiter you will be able to Rev to 8500RPM…
This is true should the correct camshaft selection be used that makes power at 8500rpm and also that the valve train components are strong enough for this type of punishment. (These valve train components are Valve Springs that do not coil bind and that are suitable for the high lift of the camshaft being used, Chromoly or Titanium Valve Spring Retainers, Stainless Steel or Titanium Valves, Solid Lifters suitable for the application)
Rev Kits are the components that prevent the Valve train, cylinder head and engine failure when revving at High Rpm, Uprated Valve Springs prevent valve float at higher Rpm ranges, Solid Lifter/ Shim type is much stronger and more reliable than Hydraulic when revving beyond 7200Rpm, Retainers are stronger and lighter than Factory retainers too.
With all of the above the fitment is not DIY and it needs to be installed by a Master Mechanic or Automotive Engineer who understands Coil Bind, Valve Spring travel, Valve Spring Heights etc which are all crucial in making sure that reliability is 100% when revving to this extreme.
Camshaft Degrees /Durations and Rpm ranges
A standard VW 8v Camshaft has around 10.1mm lift and a duration of under 260 degrees, the standard valve train components are 100% suitable for this application however should you be fitting a Performance Camshaft this will change when going too wild on duration/degree with high lift.
We always recommend that Valve Spring Travel & Valve Spring Heights are measured to avoid coil binding when fitting a Performance Camshaft.
Now the Factory standard camshaft is designed for the best possible drivability and therefore power at high Rpm is not a factor on most everyday driven vehicles however with us all wanting to add more power to our rides a lot of us misunderstand or are misconceived by forums and their members posts in this regard.
So if you are using a 272-degree camshaft on your Golf 1400 it will reach peak power at around 5500rpm, therefore revving this engine to 7500rpm is pointless as it will do nothing for you beyond 5500rpm besides damage your engine from over-revving it.
Now look at the reality when increasing a rev limiter on the above scenario you gain zero but lose reliability and that costs you money is it making sense now that increasing the Rpm range is done in conjunction with the degree/duration of the Camshaft to make power at the desired maximum Rpm range?
So beware of where and who you get the information from, forums are helpful to a degree but can be of serious detriment to your project should you take advice from one of the, let’s call them “Keyboard Cowboys” These guys know everything about nothing, bad mouth everything and everyone, and no one’s car is quicker than theirs. It’s a hype they create and end up with followers and give recommendations based on what they have read on other forums that hold little substance.
In Motorsport we have witnessed individuals winning races and championships on a shoestring budget, the reason for this is that these individuals spend the time and money on doing things correctly as their budget does not allow for a “pennywise pound foolish “ approach. They do not research on forums they look at facts related to the reliability and power of available products to suit their requirements.
Keep in mind that “Power is nothing without reliability “
