From Camshaft Regrinding Workshop to Race Engine Dominance

The Journey of Kelford Cams

From Local Hot Rodders to Global Racers

In the world of high-performance automotive engineering, few names carry the weight and legacy of Kelford Cams. Founded in 1968 by Norm Kelly & Ron Rutherford (Kel-Ford) in Christchurch, New Zealand. Kelford Cams began as a humble engineering camshaft regrinding workshop, catering primarily to local hot rodders with a passion for speed and performance to international powerhouse.

Regrinding Workshop to Racing Engine Dominance:

2002-2013

Formerly known as Kelford Camtech owned by Kevin Ban, a prolific race car engine builder. As demand for performance camshaft re-grinding grew, the company imported and sold a catalogue of valve train parts. In early 2006, Kelford installed the southern hemisphere’s first masterless CNC cam grinder, allowing it to expand into an international operation. Kelford Camtech was rebranded as the infamous Kelford Cams!

The Evolutionary Journey:

Armed with ingenuity and a relentless pursuit of perfection

Kevin Ban was the third owner of Kelford Camtech and focused on producing high-quality components for the motorsport industry. The company has gained a reputation for excellence with a strong emphasis on quality control and innovative design.

Camshafts have been utilized by top racers in various categories, including NZ V8 Touring cars, Formula Ford, HQ series drivers, and Mini7 hotshots. World Champion jet sprinters incorporate cams in professional engines builds.

Kevin's extensive background as a race car engine builder has provided him with invaluable knowledge to best serve his customers, and Kelford Camtech continues to refine their products to meet the evolving needs of their clientele. Rebranding to Kelford Cams within this time.

AIR NEW ZEALAND CARGO

2010 Award Winner

Kelford Cams experienced significant growth under Kevin Ban's leadership in the US, Australia & Japan markets by refining products and expanding customer base.

Camshafts and valve train parts are highly sought after by performance enthusiasts, professional racing teams, and engine builders worldwide to achieve optimal gains.

NEW ZEALAND

V8 Supercars

For 15 years, Kelford 'controlled spec' camshafts have been utilized by New Zealand V8 Touring cars. We provide research and testing support to facilitate the development of the class. Stone Brothers Racing used Kelford Cams from 2007-2009, and their engines won the championship for Triple 8 using Kelford Cams. In 2009, we initiated work with SBR and 888 on the controlled valve-train package for V8 Supercar.

Kelford Shop

In 2013, Tony Gault acquired Kelford Cams and embarked on a significant investment program. Kevin Ban has continued to work with the company to maintain continuity. Kelford Cams has invested in state-of-the-art machinery, systems, and expertise since 2013, enabling them to offer one of the most successful R&D programs in the performance camshaft and valve train market today. Kelford is the go-to company for teams and businesses seeking innovative solutions for gaining optimal engine performance. A further enhanced rebrand was completed into the brand you see today!

Kelford Shop

2011 CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE

The path to success was not without its challenges

In 2011, Kelford Cams faced its greatest adversity yet when the devastating Christchurch earthquake rocked the city to its core. The destruction wrought by the quake threatened to derail the company's progress and undo decades of hard work. Kelford Cams was not spared from the aftermath, with its facilities sustaining damage and production grinding to a halt. Through perseverance and ingenuity, Kelford Cams staff & management swiftly resumed operations and expanded then introduced innovative new camshaft profiles, establishing the company's ability to bounce back stronger than ever resonated with enthusiasts and professionals alike, reaffirming its status as a trusted partner in the pursuit of automotive excellence.

What began as a local workshop soon evolved into an international powerhouse, supplying high-performance camshafts to street cars and professional racing engines around the globe.

Built for High Performance

Kelford Cams is committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We invest in research and development to push the boundaries of camshaft design and manufacturing. Our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced machining technologies ensure that we deliver camshaft solutions that exceed expectations.