Camshaft : A Go For Gold
Camshaft, in its simplest definition, are the lobes in an engine
that operate the valves. It is driven by a crankshaft, either
through a belt, gears or chains that run at one half the speed
of its own. It also facilitates the opening and closing of these
valves in all piston engines.
Getting a wrong camshaft is like wasting all your efforts on a
dollar per dollar basis. Don't just be blinded by other engine
management that of the electronic kind. No other single
modification can come up with the same quality of function a
camshaft can provide when it comes to cost-wise efficiency,
power and driveability.
So, you're in for camshaft hunt? Here are some helpful tips you
can take note of in getting a camshaft.
1. Camshaft for a resto or resto mod project
If you're going to get a cam for a resto or resto mod project,
try to focus on its factory specs and do restoration by figures.
Most camshaft company dealers will provide you with catalogs and
amazing tech lines to help you pick the best camshaft.
Information regarding recommendations for the changes that will
fit the camshaft like high stall torque converter, larger
carburetor or exhaust headers, peak torque and a usable power
hand and other related concerns should be answered and provided
for by the company.
2. Camshaft for Vintage Engines
Take pride in upscaling the power and efficiency of your vintage
engine, while camshafts let you take advantage of more modern
grinds that creates more torque and horsepower by repetitive
open and close motion of the values faster within the same
specified duration.
Ideally, not all 280 degree camshafts behave and perform in the
same manner. The camshaft's driveabililty and torque quality is
directly related to the rate of opening and closing speed of the
valve as well as its durability.
3. Limits and modification of camshafts
It is important to know the restored engines' practical limit
and its special modification which a camshaft can accommodate.
Engines with advertised duration are usually at 260 to 270
degrees.
So, how is a camshaft's duration measured? The method of
measurement they use is at .050 inches of value lift. However,
restored engines with 215 to 220 degrees camshaft duration don't
really work well, and often times evaluated to have sluggish or
laid back performance.
4. The camshaft centerline
While tip #3 teaches you so much about limits, modification and
camshaft duration, do not forget and try to overlook its
centerline, or what other people refer to as lobe separation
angle.
Performance wise, it is one vital part that adds plus points to
the camshaft's totality, to shape up a balanced combination of
power and fuel efficiency. Standardized resto cams aim for 110
to 112 degree centerlines.
As for drag race cams, theirs is set on a 104 to 106 degree
centerline, designed to produce a bit more on the mid-range
torque, but would often times require a lot more other mods to
begin with.
5. Camshaft Value Lift
As I've mentioned in tip #3, value lifts are the primary
contributing factors to a camshaft's duration.
But although value lifts is one camshaft spec to go look after,
it sets physical limit in things like value-to-piston clearance
and value spring retainer-to-value guide clearance and value
spring coil bind issues.
In this field, camshaft experts says it is always a go for the
gold to target .450 to .475 inches of maximum value lift,
especially for a modern v8s. For best results, ask assistance
from your cam manufacturers to know details regarding physical
measures of these things with critical dimension.
6.Camshaft Grind
Who says only singers could sing? Hey, camshafts can do it too!
When you're just about to come up with a cam grind, prepare to
hear it sing. So how do you create a cam grind? By coating the
cam from its bearing lobes and surfaces with quality assembly
lube, you're bringing it a successful break in period!
To hail with all the electronic devices that are designed for
engine management - because camshaft is and will still make most
of the shots. The camshaft's timing specification is determined
by the ideal parameters of peak horsepower, fuel mileage, peak
torque, a usable power, magnifold vacuum.