Your performance vehicle is more than investments of time, effort, and money. It represents a passion, the exhilaration of Jack Kerouac’s fabled open road arrowing into infinity. Beside the myth, though, sits the practicality of maintenance. Repairing and maintaining your car is part of the hot-rodding lifestyle. To get the most from your car’s engine, you need the right camshaft and lifter.
The Importance of Camshafts
A camshaft is a steel or cast iron shaft with lobes along its length. These lobes close and open valves by moving lifters. The lobes’ placement, shape, and size determine the engine’s performance.
Your camshaft is the centerpiece of your engine. It determines the features of every other engine part you choose. Selecting the right camshaft for both your vehicle and your performance goals is essential for success. Start with a cam and lifter kit to make your mechanical tasks easier.
Camshaft Fundamentals
First, decide what you want the engine to do. Do you intend to drag race, or will most of your driving be at low RPMs on streets? Considering this question is fundamental to your project’s success. Otherwise, you might spend time and money on building an engine that ultimately does not perform to your expectations, based on how you use your vehicle.
Avoid choosing a camshaft randomly. Instead, look at specific aspects of camshaft performance to help you make an informed choice. When you know how you want your car to perform, also look at other important parts, such as tires. If you want to race, for example, drag slicks can help improve your hot rod’s performance.
Camshaft Performance Considerations
When you need a camshaft and lifter assembly, you can make better choices with a bit of reflection and research. After you are clear about how you want to use your performance car, consider these aspects of camshaft workings before purchasing a kit.
Valve Lift
When valves lift, they allow air and fuel or exhaust to flow into the engine. The longer the valves stay open and the higher they are lifted, the greater the engine’s performance. However, there is a point where flow peaks.
The Pitfalls of Overcam
If a camshaft has too much lift or duration for a car’s intended purpose, the engine will likely underperform. Choose your camshaft realistically, based on your needs and expectations.
Camshaft Calculations
The degree and duration of valve lift determines your engine’s overall performance. Manufacturers usually provide measurements to help you choose. Long lift durations generally result in higher RPMs, which works well for engines that need power. Shorter lift durations are best for throttle response and low-speed torque.
Engine Considerations
The type of engine you are building, whether one that craves power or a computerized model designed for good performance at lower speeds, helps you determine the best camshaft and lifters for your needs. The carbuerator is another important engine component. Shop online for the Edelbrock AVS2 800 carbuerator and other models.
Your performance vehicle is a delicate balance between all its parts and systems, especially the engine. Choosing the right camshaft and lifter kit for your hot rod starts by considering how you intend to use your car. With a bit of thought and help from an online parts retailer, you can build the performance car of your dreams.