New purchase help advice needed

Mikey82 · 01 April, 2025, 11:04:05

Hi I am buying a 1963 Golden Flash it looks to be all there.
Seller has rode it since rebuild but says the top end is noisy due to fitting a spitfire camshaft, as back in 1985 he was unable to get the correct camshaft.
My question is:
Would the correct camshaft be available now?
Is this something that a specialist needs to fit?
If so
Anyone in the South West able to do this for me?
Finally
Best workshop manual for this bike
Thankyou in advance

Mikey82 · 01 April, 2025, 14:22:23

Triumph spitfire cam fitted by P.O

DAVE BRADY · 01 April, 2025, 15:28:28

Hi,

The standard profile cams are available but why not try it with the BSA spitfire cam. I ran a combination with a spitfire cam and my wife's '51 Flash has covered many thousands of miles with spitfire cam.
There should not really be any more top end noise than with the standard cam so perhaps the clearances need to be checked.
To change the cam would require a complete engine strip so avoid it if you can.
Quiz the seller about cam followers - replaced as part of the rebuild?
Can you post a photo of the bike?

Dave.

Mikey82 · 01 April, 2025, 16:03:48

Thanks for your response Dave the seller said he fitted a Triumph spitfire cam would that be the same cam?

DAVE BRADY · 01 April, 2025, 17:16:11

Hi,

A Triumph twin has two cams, inlet behind then cylinders and exhaust in front. The BSA A10 has one cam for both jobs behind the cylinders so a Triumph cam cannot be fitted to the BSA.
As far as I know the Spitfire cam is specifically a BSA item that has a sporty configuration from the A10 Spitfire Scrambler and was used in Super Rockets and Rocket Gold Stars.
The BSA Service Sheets serve as manual but do not cover everything. A parts book is useful for the illustrations as well as part numbers. At a push the Haynes manual can be used but does have its limits.
There are some good videos on youtube and of course, this Forum.

Dave.

Catz · 01 April, 2025, 17:24:14

Hi Mikey,
you could have a look over on the A10/A7 forum. https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php

Mikey82 · 01 April, 2025, 17:43:14

Quote from: DAVE BRADY on 01 April, 2025, 17:16:11Hi,

A Triumph twin has two cams, inlet behind then cylinders and exhaust in front. The BSA A10 has one cam for both jobs behind the cylinders so a Triumph cam cannot be fitted to the BSA.
As far as I know the Spitfire cam is specifically a BSA item that has a sporty configuration from the A10 Spitfire Scrambler and was used in Super Rockets and Rocket Gold Stars.
The BSA Service Sheets serve as manual but do not cover everything. A parts book is useful for the illustrations as well as part numbers. At a push the Haynes manual can be used but does have its limits.
There are some good videos on youtube and of course, this Forum.

Dave.

Many Thanks Dave, I think the seller may be confused....

Thanks Catz I will register on that forum now 👍

V500 · 01 April, 2025, 18:05:16

Quote from: Mikey82 on 01 April, 2025, 16:03:48Thanks for your response Dave the seller said he fitted a Triumph spitfire cam would that be the same cam?

The top Trumpet cam was the E3134, and I think when he said "Triumph Spitfire" he was getting names confused as the Spitfire is a four pot sports car.

Mikey82 · 01 April, 2025, 18:17:57

Quote from: V500 on 01 April, 2025, 18:05:16
Quote from: Mikey82 on 01 April, 2025, 16:03:48Thanks for your response Dave the seller said he fitted a Triumph spitfire cam would that be the same cam?

The top Trumpet cam was the E3134, and I think when he said "Triumph Spitfire" he was getting names confused as the Spitfire is a four pot sports car.

Yes correct he since said it has a BSA Spitfire cam but it's very loud so may want to change it will know more next week when I collect bike... and recommission it...
Thanks for all the replies 👍

DAVE BRADY · 01 April, 2025, 18:31:22

Hi,

Post some photos when you get it.

Dave.

idie · 02 April, 2025, 14:03:46

Early A10 cam was 364 then went to 356 also used on the Road Rocket and Super Rocket. The last of the Super Rockets and RGS had 357 or Spitfire cams.

rhyatt · 02 April, 2025, 15:38:38

When you say loud , is it exhaust loud or mechanically rattly loud ?

EDDIE SIMPSON · 07 April, 2025, 00:37:57

i think the previous owner meant that the tappets sound louder with the larger gaps. yes the tappets are louder but performance is better with a 347.

DAVE BRADY · 07 April, 2025, 08:12:37

Hi,

It will be interesting to see the bike. An iron head would be 10 and 16 and on the aluminium head 8 and 8 or 10 depending on what where you look it up.

Dave.