VW Golf 1 8v Camshaft Selection — Compare 272H, 276H, 288H, 298H & Turbo Grind

STK Performance offers a range of hydraulic lifter camshafts engineered for real-world power, reliability, and application-specific valve train control. Each grind is tailored to a displacement range and intended use, ensuring your engine delivers power where you actually need it.

Let's compare the 5 most popular STK camshaft options and determine which works best for your application.

1. STK Performance Camshaft 272H — 1400 / 1600cc Daily Power

Best Application:

• 1.4L and 1.6L Golf 1 8v engines
• Everyday street driving, commuting, and fast-road fun

Performance Characteristics:

The 272H cam is the perfect answer for drivers who want their smaller-capacity 8v engine to feel stronger without getting peaky. This camshaft increases usable power in the rev range you actually drive in — meaning you can pull longer in each gear and avoid constant shifting.

With optimized intake timing and smooth hydraulic lifter preload setup, the 272H delivers:

• Noticeably improved low- and mid-range torque
• Smoother drivability in traffic and cruising RPM
• Fewer gear changes thanks to a broader torque curve
• Better throttle response without compromising idle quality
• Improved valve motion stability for safer extended RPM

Who needs this cam?

The Golf 1 owner who wants more power everywhere, without turning their car into a high-RPM-only screamer.

Recommended supporting mods:

Exhaust upgrades, intake improvements (carb or EFI), and upgraded valve springs if increasing the rev limit.

2. STK Performance Camshaft 276H — 1800 / 2000cc Ultimate Street Cam

Best Application:

• 1.8L (1800cc) and 2.0L (2000cc) Golf 1 8v engines
• Street performance builds, weekend runs, highway pulls

Performance Characteristics:

The 276H is STK's most popular true street performance grind for larger 8v engines. It balances torque and airflow to create an engine that feels effortless — responsive when you want it, relaxed when you don't.

This camshaft delivers:

• Strong torque through the entire street powerband
• Responsive acceleration without requiring high RPM
• Minimal gear changes even under spirited driving
• Excellent power delivery for both carb and EFI setups
• Smooth hydraulic preload setup and reliable timing control

Who needs this cam?

The driver who wants the perfect blend of power and comfort — a Golf 1 that pulls hard without punishing the gearbox or driver.

Recommended supporting mods:

Performance intake manifold, flowed 8v head, throttle body or carb upgrades, and an aftermarket exhaust.

3. STK Performance Camshaft 288H — 2.0L Aggressive Cam for Built 8v Engines

Best Application:

• 2.0L 8v Golf 1 engines
• Drag racing, aggressive street builds, and track day starters

Performance Characteristics:

The 288H camshaft brings attitude. It's the point where a Golf 1 stops being "quick" and starts being serious. Expect a deeper idle tone, stronger top-end, and power that builds with intent.

This camshaft delivers:

• Strong top-end pull while still maintaining mid-range grunt
• Sporty, slightly lopey idle — classic 8v cam personality
• Improved valve control at higher RPM
• Ideal for engines with increased lift, airflow, and acceleration demands
• Still hydraulic, still reliable, but happiest when pushed

Who needs this cam?

The enthusiast who built their 2.0L head to breathe and wants a cam that can keep up.

Recommended supporting mods:

High-lift valve springs, chromoly retainers, ported head, and correct spring installed height setup to avoid coil bind.

4. STK Performance Camshaft 298H — 2.0L Full Track Camshaft

Best Application:

• 2.0L 8v Golf 1 engines built for track only
• Circuit racing, hill climb, endurance, and time attack

Performance Characteristics:

The 298H is a race-first cam. It's built for sustained high RPM, maximum airflow, and aggressive valve acceleration. This is not a daily cam — it is a weapon for cars that live above 4,000 RPM.

This camshaft delivers:

• Maximum valve train stability under sustained load
• Powerband focused on 4,000 RPM and above
• Excellent high-RPM airflow capability
• Engineered for race intake and exhaust configurations
• Hydraulic lifter setup for simplified race assembly without lash maintenance

Who needs this cam?

If your Golf 1 is trailered to events or only driven on track — this is your grind.

Recommended supporting mods:

Upgraded valve train system, performance head components, verified piston-to-valve clearance, and full airflow-focused head and intake design.

5. STK Performance Camshaft 268/276H Turbo — Boost-Optimized Valve Train Control

Best Application:

• Turbocharged VW 8v engines from 1.4L to 2.0L
• Big turbo builds, high boost pressure setups, and forced induction reliability

Performance Characteristics:

Boost changes everything. Turbocharging pushes valves open with pressure, not just RPM, and that's where the 268/276H Turbo cam stands apart. This grind uses split intake/exhaust timing to improve spool, maintain efficiency, and stabilize the valve train under cylinder pressure.

This camshaft delivers:

• Improved exhaust gas velocity for stronger turbo spool
• Controlled overlap for better boost efficiency
• Increased valve stability under high pressure
• Reduces valve float risk common in 8v turbo builds
• Maintains pull through 7,000 RPM under boost
• Hydraulic lifter compatibility for easy setup

Who needs this cam?

Anyone running boost — especially larger turbos or increased cylinder pressure.

Recommended supporting mods:

Verified spring installed height, chromoly retainers, high-pressure valve springs, and always piston-to-valve clearance checks.

Choosing the Right Camshaft for Your Golf 1

 

Fit the right grind, pair it with the right valve train, verify your clearances, and your 8v engine won't just run harder — it will run smarter. That's the STK difference. A camshaft built to match your build, protect your engine, and put a smile on your face every time the light turns green.