thank you all ahh the distributor is at the rear of the block.

Which "A12" engine are you refering to here? Yhere are two different versions of the A12 & the term A12 correctly refers to both of them.

This is why I use the wording '1200 engine' or 'front distributor A12' when discussing any of the early A12 engines & 'rear distributor' or '1974 & later' when describing the newer types.

Just saying 'A12' is so confusing.

I'm not quite sure about the discrepancies just yet but pay careful attention to what fuel pump you use. I had an A15 pump in my A12 and it seems to have damaged the fuel pump lobe somewhat. This may simply be a result of a difference between the offset fuel pump mounting faces in the A15 block compared to the A12, meaning your A15 pump may be fine running off an A12 cam in the A15 block. But not the other way around.

When I get my block back I'll install them and spin the cam to see exactly what the issue is.

All camshafts for rear distributor A series engines are interchangeable, but there are different cam profiles.

Camshafts from the later rear distributor A series engines can be used in the earlier front distributor engines but the fuel pump will need to be removed from the engine & the opening capped.

ahhh ok thanks very much thats perfect, hopefully starting the engine for its first time today in like 5 years! cant wait!! thanks again

A12 cam is not the same. A15 camshaft is lumpier than A12 camshaft.

Is it possible? Yes, 1974-up A12 camshaft will fit into A15.

hey guys im just wondering is it true that an a12 camshaft is the same as and is possible to go in an a15? ive got an a15 with im guess its an a15 cam in there, i just want to change my cam lumpier, would love all information and help available.
thanks heaps Nick (: