ModsDirect: Your Authorised Kelford Cams Dealer in Australia
When you're investing in performance camshafts, you need more than just a parts supplier you need an authorised dealer with direct factory support, genuine product knowledge, and the technical backup to get your build right the first time.
ModsDirect is a proud authorised dealer of Kelford Cams in Australia. That means every camshaft we sell is genuine Kelford product, backed by factory warranty, and supported by our team's hands-on experience with these exact profiles across hundreds of Australian builds. We maintain direct relationships with Kelford in New Zealand and can source any profile from their extensive catalogue with fast turnaround times.
Why Kelford Cams Are the Gold Standard for Australian Performance Builds
When you're serious about extracting every kilowatt from your engine, the camshaft is where the magic happens. Kelford Cams has spent over three decades engineering camshafts specifically for the conditions, fuel quality, and driving styles we experience in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike off-the-shelf imports designed for different markets, Kelford profiles are proven on local dyno sheets and real-world street cars from Sydney to Perth.
We've supplied Kelford camshafts to enthusiasts building everything from street driven E36 BMWs to 800+ horsepower R35 GTRs, and there's a consistent theme - these cams deliver exactly what Kelford promises. No surprises, no disappointments, just proven results backed by decades of development.
Understanding Camshaft Basics: What Actually Happens Inside Your Engine
Before diving into Kelford's range, let's cover what a camshaft does. Your cam controls valve timing when your intake and exhaust valves open, how far they open, and how long they stay open. Change these parameters, and you fundamentally alter your engine's power characteristics.
Stock camshafts prioritise fuel economy, emissions compliance, and drivability across a broad RPM range. Performance camshafts like Kelford's shift the focus to maximum airflow where you need it, whether that's mid-range torque for street driving or top-end power for track work.
Key Camshaft Specifications Explained
Duration: Measured in degrees of crankshaft rotation, duration determines how long valves stay open. Longer duration typically means more top-end power but can sacrifice low-end torque and idle quality.
Lift: How far the valve opens. More lift flows more air, but your valve springs, retainers, and head clearances need to handle it. This is why Kelford specifies compatible valve spring kits for each cam profile running aggressive lift on factory springs is asking for valve float and potential engine damage.
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): The angle between intake and exhaust lobe centres. Tighter LSA increases valve overlap, creating that aggressive idle and improving cylinder scavenging but can hurt idle vacuum and low-RPM manners.
Choosing the Right Kelford Cam for Your Build
Kelford's range is extensive, covering everything from mild street upgrades to full race applications. Here's how to navigate their lineup based on your goals.
Street Performance (260-274° Duration Range)
If you're building a daily driver that needs to start reliably, idle smoothly in traffic, and still deliver a noticeable power increase, Kelford's street-focused profiles are your answer. These cams typically add 10-15% more power without sacrificing drivability.
A perfect example is the Kelford 264/264 profile for RB26DETT, it's the go-to choice for street GT-Rs that see occasional track use. You'll maintain near-factory idle quality while unlocking better throttle response and mid-range punch that makes the car genuinely more enjoyable to drive on Australian roads.
Fast Road & Track Day (272-288° Duration Range)
This is the sweet spot for enthusiasts who split time between spirited street driving and regular track days. Expect a slightly lumpy idle, improved top end power, and the need for a quality tune to maximise the cam's potential.
The Kelford 272/272 RB26 camshaft sits perfectly in this category, it's aggressive enough to make serious power on a built motor with supporting mods, but civilised enough that you can still drive the car to the track. These profiles work brilliantly in turbocharged applications where you're running higher boost levels. The increased duration helps manage cylinder pressure and exhaust gas velocity, supporting reliable power gains on Australian 98 RON pump fuel.
Competition & Race (288°+ Duration Range)
Purpose-built for motorsport, these camshafts demand supporting modifications such as upgraded valve springs, retainers, shimless buckets, and often head work. Idle quality becomes aggressive, low-end torque drops off, but power from mid-range to redline is where these cams shine.
Our Kelford 292&288/300 RB26 profile is a serious piece of kit. This is what you'll find in time attack GTRs and dedicated circuit cars making 600+ kilowatts. If your car sees a trailer more than public roads, this is your territory.
Kelford Cams for Popular Platforms in Australia
Nissan RB26DETT (R32, R33, R34 GT-R)
The RB26 platform is where Kelford truly dominates the Australian market. Their RB26 profiles are proven in everything from street-driven R34s to 1000+ horsepower drag cars. We supply the complete range from mild 260° street cams through to full race 300° profiles.
What sets Kelford apart is their understanding of the RB26's unique valve train geometry and the challenges of the factory hydraulic lifter system. Their profiles are designed to work with both factory hydraulic setups and upgraded solid lifter conversions, giving you flexibility as your build evolves.
Don't forget, aggressive camshafts need proper valve spring support. We supply the Kelford RB26DETT valve spring set specifically matched to their cam profiles, ensuring your valve train can handle the increased lift and duration without float.
Nissan VK56DE/VK56VD (Patrol, Titan, Armada)
The VK56 V8 platform has exploded in popularity for Australian 4WD builds, and Kelford has responded with a comprehensive range of profiles. Whether you're building a touring Patrol that needs low-end torque or a performance-focused build chasing top-end power, there's a Kelford profile engineered specifically for the VK56's unique architecture.
We stock everything from the mild 268&264/264 street profile through to the aggressive 300&290/288 race profile. The VK56 responds incredibly well to camshaft upgrades, especially when combined with quality exhaust and intake work.
Nissan VR38DETT (R35 GT-R)
The R35 GT-R's VR38DETT is one of the most advanced production engines ever built, and Kelford's development work on this platform is extensive. We stock supporting components like Kelford VR38DETT exhaust valve guides that are essential when you're building the head to support higher power levels and aggressive cam profiles.
Toyota UZ Series (1UZ, 2UZ, 3UZ VVTi)
The UZ V8 family is legendary for reliability and tunability, and Kelford's UZ camshaft range reflects decades of development on this platform. Whether you're building a naturally aspirated screamer or a boosted street monster, Kelford has proven profiles.
The 254/264 UZ VVTi profile is perfect for street builds that want more response without sacrificing drivability, while the 265/270 profile suits more aggressive naturally aspirated or forced induction applications.
Toyota 2RZ/3RZ (Hilux, Tacoma)
Don't overlook the humble 2RZ and 3RZ four-cylinder engines—Kelford has developed profiles for these workhorses too. When you're upgrading cams on these engines, proper valve spring support is critical. We stock the Kelford Pacaloy valve spring kit for 2RZ/3RZ, engineered specifically to handle the increased loads of performance camshafts.
What You Need to Install Kelford Cams Properly
A camshaft upgrade isn't just bolting in new parts. Here's what you need for a successful installation that delivers the results Kelford engineered into their profiles:
Valve Springs & Retainers: This is non-negotiable. Kelford specifies spring pressures for each cam profile, and using factory springs with aggressive cams leads to valve float and potential engine damage. We stock Kelford's recommended spring kits for every platform we support—don't cut corners here.
Cam Gears (Adjustable): Fine-tuning cam timing is essential, especially on platforms like the RB25 NEO. Our Kelford RB25 NEO adjustable exhaust cam gear lets your tuner dial in optimal valve events for your specific setup, extracting maximum performance from your cam upgrade.
Quality Engine Oil: Performance cams generate higher valve train loads. Use a quality 5W-40 or 10W-50 synthetic oil with strong ZDDP content, especially critical for flat-tappet cam designs. Oil is cheap insurance when you've invested in Kelford camshafts.
Professional Tuning: This is absolutely non-negotiable. A Kelford cam without a proper tune is leaving power on the table and risking engine damage. Budget for dyno time with a tuner experienced in your platform and familiar with Kelford profiles. We can recommend experienced tuners across Australia who've worked extensively with Kelford cams.
Common Questions About Kelford Cams
Will a Kelford Cam Pass Australian Roadworthy Inspections?
Camshafts themselves aren't typically inspected during roadworthy checks in most Australian states, but the downstream effects—idle quality, emissions—can be. Mild street profiles (260-272° range) generally won't cause issues, but aggressive race cams may struggle with emissions testing in states that require it. If you're in Victoria or NSW with strict emissions testing, stick to street-oriented profiles for registered vehicles.
How Much Power Can I Expect?
Power gains depend entirely on your supporting modifications. A cam alone on an otherwise stock engine might add 5-10%. Combine it with head work, intake, exhaust, and a turbo upgrade, and you're looking at 20-40% or more. The cam unlocks potential—the rest of your build determines how much you actually realise. We've seen RB26s gain 50+ kilowatts at the wheels from cams and supporting mods alone.
Do I Need to Upgrade My ECU?
For mild street cams, a reflash of your factory ECU may suffice if you're working with an experienced tuner. For anything beyond 272° duration, a standalone ECU like Haltech, Link, or Adaptronic is highly recommended. Kelford cams change your engine's volumetric efficiency table significantly—your ECU needs the flexibility to compensate properly.
Are Kelford Cams Worth the Investment?
Absolutely. Kelford's reputation isn't built on marketing—it's built on three decades of proven results on Australian and New Zealand roads and tracks. When you buy a Kelford cam from ModsDirect as an authorised dealer, you're getting genuine product with factory warranty and the peace of mind that comes from dealing with people who actually understand these parts.
Why Buy Kelford Cams from ModsDirect?
As an authorised Kelford Cams dealer, we're not just a warehouse shipping parts. Our team has hands-on experience with Kelford products across dozens of platforms. We know which profiles work for Australian conditions, which supporting mods you'll need, and which tuners in your area have proven results with Kelford cams.
Every Kelford cam we sell is genuine factory product, backed by Kelford's warranty and our commitment to technical support. We're here to answer questions before your purchase, help you select the right profile for your build goals, and provide ongoing support after installation.
We maintain stock of Kelford's most popular profiles and can source any cam from their extensive catalogue directly from New Zealand with quick turnaround times. Fast Australia-wide shipping means you're not waiting weeks for critical engine components—we understand you want your build moving forward, not sitting in the workshop waiting for parts.
Whether you're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, or regional Australia, we've got you covered with the same level of service and technical expertise.
Ready to Upgrade? Here's Your Next Step
Browse our complete range of Kelford Cams products, or reach out to our team with your build specs. We'll help you select the right profile, recommend supporting parts like valve springs and cam gears, and connect you with experienced tuners in your area who know Kelford products inside and out.
Performance is in the details, and at ModsDirect, we're obsessed with getting those details right. As your authorised Kelford Cams dealer in Australia, we're committed to helping you achieve the results you're chasing—whether that's a responsive street car or a record-breaking track weapon.