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The rpm range is the range where the engine performs best. When selecting a camshaft, choose one with an rpm range that matches the other components of your vehicle and its intended use. Follow this link for more about Basic Operating RPM Range.
How do you size a cam?
Take your digital caliper and measure the smallest diameter on the cam. This is called the base circle. This cam measured at 1.10 inches and 87 thousandths. The next value you will need is the largest diameter on the cam, the lobe part, which is called the base circle and lobe lift.
How do you match a head with a camshaft?
Typically, a head with a high percentage can use a cam with more closely matched intake and exhaust lobe figures. Conversely, a head with a poor ratio between the intake and exhaust flow will benefit from more exhaust duration to evacuate the burned gases.
What is considered an aggressive camshaft?
To measure how ‘aggressive’ a cam was, Harvey pioneered the idea of cam intensity. In other words ‘intensity’ described how quickly the cam opened and closed from lower lift points to his standard lift point of 0.050”; the smaller the intensity, the more aggressive the opening and closing.
How do I know if my camshaft is worn out?
To help you prevent all of this, here are common camshaft wear symptoms to look out for: Active check engine light. Loud ticking or tapping sounds. Metal debris in the engine oil. Cylinder misfire. Increased emissions as a result of misfiring. Visible signs of damage.
What is a good camshaft brand?
According to our BrandZoom™ Camshafts report, based on surveys of automotive enthusiasts who have shopped for or purchased a cam, the top 3 camshaft brands that are most trusted are COMP Cams, Crower and Edelbrock (in alphabetical order). Each of these three had a 90% or higher positive perception.
What does the rpm range on a cam mean?
Definition & Description. The basic operating rpm range for a camshaft is its “sweet spot.” This range is where the engine will produce the most Torque and Horsepower.
How do performance camshafts work?
How Does A Camshaft Work? The camshaft activates a cylinder’s intake and exhaust valves. One lobe will activate the intake valve, followed by a second lobe that activates the exhaust valve. As the shaft rotates, the valves will open and close in the appropriate timing.
What is a Stage 1 cam?
Stage 1 cam sets are used to give increased Torque output in the RPM range below the engine’s Torque peak. More part-throttle Torque, better low RPM throttle response, and increased peak Torque will be produced by these cams. Peak horsepower may also be improved in some cases.
What is considered a mild cam?
An RV or towing camshaft, which is considered a mild performance or an economy cam, will often have a narrower LSA, between 112 and 114 degrees. Hot street camshafts usually have 110- to 112-degree LSA, while high performance and racing camshafts will often run between 105 and 108 degrees.
What is considered a stage 3 cam?
The Stage 3 cam is designed to work with some larger valves, port work, and upgraded carburetor or EFI system. This cam starts moving the power band a little higher in the RPM range (2500-6000). This is the biggest cam we recommend for a street application.
What causes camshaft damage?
Broken Cam A broken camshaft is usually caused by a connecting rod or other rotating part coming loose and striking it. Sometimes the cam will break after a short time of use because of a crack or fracture in the cam due to rough handling during shipping or improper handling prior to installation.
When should camshaft be replaced?
A camshaft should last as long as the rest of the engine it is normally hydraulic camshaft followers that gum up and start the ticking noise. if you are replacing the camshaft after 100,000 miles or more is fine. but if the engine has done 300,000 miles then it will be more than just the camshaft needing replacement.
Does camshaft make noise?
A camshaft is a rod of steel so it itself cannot make noise. Now it is turned by a chain or a belt or even gears. The chain when parts are worn can make a slapping noise, a belt can make a whining noise and gears will definitely make a noise.
What’s a 3/4 cam?
The original 3/4 race cams are the forerunners of today’s street-performance grinds. The term likely originated in the ’50s as the burgeoning hot-rod industry was modifying Ford Flatheads to drag race on airport runways and attempt top-speed runs on dry lake beds.
What is a good mild cam for 350?
Reviews On 6 Top-Rated Performance Cam For 350 Chevy Comp Cams 12-602-4 Hydraulic Flat Cam. Comp Cams Xtreme Energy 242/248 Hydraulic Roller Cam. SB Chevy Hi-Perf RV Cam And Lifter Kit. Lunati Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam. Lunati Voodoo Hydraulic Flat Cam. Melling Hydraulic Flat Camshaft.
What’s the biggest cam for a stock 350?
What Is The Biggest Cam For Stock 350? COMP Cams CL12-600-4: Best performance. COMP Cams 12-602-4: Best for Rhythm. COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum: Best for boosting horsepower. COMP Cams CL12-242-2 Xtreme Energy 224/230: Best for street riding.
What do the cam numbers mean?
The first two numbers are the degrees of opening being 210 for the intake and 218 degrees for the exhaust given normally at .050 inch of lift. The next two numbers are the valve lift of intake and exhaust in thousands of an inch. The final number is the degrees of overlap.
What size is a Stage 2 cam?
PCM of NC Stage 2 Car Cam (5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L).
What does lobe separation on a cam mean?
Definition & Description The Lobe Separation Angle (LSA) is the distance between the centerlines of the intake and exhaust lobes on the camshaft. It is measured in degrees of camshaft rotation.
