Common questions

How much HP does an aftermarket camshaft add?

How much HP does an aftermarket camshaft add?

For instance, some modifications will work exponentially. Say you put that Edlebrock Performer intake on your engine with the stock cam and you will pick up about 15 hp, over stock, however, if you put that same intake and carb on your new cam, you could pick up 20 hp from it.

What does it mean when a camshaft has more lift?

More cam lift means the valve will open further. Increasing cam lift will allow more air or exhaust to move through an engine. If you plan on upgrading your cam to increase lift, you must be sure your valve springs are capable of handling a cam with increased lift. Piston to valve clearance can also become an issue.

How is the duration of a camshaft determined?

Intake Duration at .050 inch Lift – The number of degrees the crankshaft moves while the intake valve is open. Cam manufacturers agreed to measure and give camshaft duration based on the lifter moving .050 inches. This made duration numbers easier to compare between different cam manufacturers.

How are cams related to cylinder head capacity?

Investigation reveals that cam characteristics are tied to cylinder head air- flow capacity and the size of cylinder it has to supply. This implies that a flow bench is not only a tool for developing heads, but also for selecting a compatible cam design.

What kind of camshaft does a 350 Chevy have?

This camshaft fits with 1st generation Chevy’s that include the 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 350, and the 400. The only models it doesn’t fit is the LT1 and the LT4, or the small blocks models made from 1985 and beyond.

What happens when you increase the lift on a camshaft?

Lift is another matter entirely (are you getting tired of reading yet?). Increasing lift has exactly the same effect as increasing the cam’s duration, except that you are not actually altering the opening and closing points of the cam lobes.

What should the length of a camshaft be?

A cam with a duration of 240 degrees of higher will typically produce the most power from 3,500 to 7,000 rpm. But there’s more to camshaft ­selection than lift and duration.

How big is a valve lift on a MAX CAM?

Here is the short version. Out of the box, .480” valve lift, 350-400 HP dependant on the CR, cam, ring seal, oil control, blah, blah, blah. More than .480” lift cut the guides down to clear the retainers. Straight mill up to .060” safely, .080” with low CR of 10 to 1 or less. 0.100” is living on borrowed time.

Which is the best camshaft for an engine?

Cams with durations in the 195 to 210 degree range (measured at .050˝ cam lift) are usually considered best for stock unmodified engines and those with computerized engine controls. Once you go beyond 210 to 220 degrees of duration, intake vacuum starts to drop.

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Ruth Doyle