How to choose a camshaft
(→Things that will "frag" a camshaft and lifters) |
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| − | The manufacturers have spent a hundred years of technology and millions of dollars in research and testing. They know what they're doing, but they also have used that experience to come up with | + | The manufacturers have spent a hundred years of technology and millions of dollars in research and testing. They know what they're doing, but they also have used that experience to come up with thousands of lobe profiles and grinds that attempt to cover the whole broad spectrum of engines and applications. It's possible that an off-the-shelf grind might be perfectly fine, but it can't hurt for you to know the finer points. Most companies have tech lines to help you pick the right grind, but they are also in the business of selling products. Use their expertise, but knowing more about it can help you understand how your choices will affect how your engine runs. That way, you can take the manufacturer's generic recommendation and fine-tune it to how you intend to use the vehicle. |
In short, choosing a cam is often something that seems shrouded in mystery. Now that you know some definitions and general trends, I would like to suggest you download CamQuest here: [http://www.compcams.com/camquest/default.asp]. It is a free software that lets you compare cams and how they affect power output. For more in-depth discovery, purchase some dyno simulation software like Desktop Dyno 2000 or DynoSim. They allow you to alter any cam timing event and the results are displayed graphically for you on a simulated dyno chart. | In short, choosing a cam is often something that seems shrouded in mystery. Now that you know some definitions and general trends, I would like to suggest you download CamQuest here: [http://www.compcams.com/camquest/default.asp]. It is a free software that lets you compare cams and how they affect power output. For more in-depth discovery, purchase some dyno simulation software like Desktop Dyno 2000 or DynoSim. They allow you to alter any cam timing event and the results are displayed graphically for you on a simulated dyno chart. | ||
| − | To summarize, the whole system has to match; carb, intake, head flow, exhaust, cam, torque converter stall speed, rear axle ratio, tire size, transmission ratios, and vehicle weight. Some of those things are already decided for you within a small range, like vehicle weight and transmission ratios, while others are easily altered like rear axle ratios and tire size. Choosing a cam with this knowledge | + | To summarize, the whole system has to match; carb, intake, head flow, exhaust, cam, torque converter stall speed, rear axle ratio, tire size, transmission ratios, and vehicle weight. Some of those things are already decided for you within a small range, like vehicle weight and transmission ratios, while others are easily altered like rear axle ratios and tire size. Choosing a cam with this knowledge might make it a bit easier to understand the reasons why a professional might recommend a certain cam and it might help you make wiser decisions about your cams in the end. Either way, the right cam choice can make the difference between a well-sorted drivetrain and a clumsy, finicky engine that won't put a smile on your face. |
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