Should We Choose Hi Performance Camshafts?
The purpose of changing factory engines to work with hi performance camshafts is to increase the horsepower. If you are considering changing stock parts of an engine for high performance ones, you must decide how far you want to go with the increase in power and how much performance in other areas you are willing to sacrifice.
Using a camshaft to move other parts of a mechanical device is an ancient practice, dating back to the days of classical Greece and early Chinese dynasties. Moving toys and lifelike figurines were made for kings and emperors, and giant statues and idols were made to move by using this principal. Today most think of it as a part of an internal combustion engine.
Stock engines are designed for easy starting, rapid acceleration to cruising speeds, and fuel economy when those speeds have been reached. A quiet engine and a smooth ride are primary goals of a highway vehicle. Motorcycles are also being made these days with an eye to reducing traditional engine and exhaust noise.
The camshaft does not have power itself, but is turned by the crankshaft, which goes from the transmission to a flywheel and is linked to the cam by a timing belt or chain, or by gears. The shaft itself is rotated and its irregularly shaped ‘cams’ exert pressure against the valve covers to open them, and turn again to release the pressure and allow the valves to close again.
Along with the use of computer designs for precise cam dimensions, gears are better than timing chains for more powerful engines, since more power is delivered to the rear wheels. Timing belts and chains wear out and cause tuning problems, as well, with a resulting loss of engine efficiency. Hydraulic lifters are other improvements that enable the use of high performance parts.
Gear driven shafts deliver more power to the rear wheels and have less parts that routinely wear out or cause problems. You may have to mill your cylinder heads to allow for a high compression ratio. Manufacturers sell factory cams but will also custom fit them to your engine. Too much cam can cause a loss of power at low speeds, as well as difficult ignition and increased engine wear. Engine noise, with or without damage to the valves and lifters, can be a problem also.
Maximum power is only really achievable in race cars, with solid cylinders and very high octane fuel. Others must look for a balance that will allow for easy starting, sufficient power at low RPMs and acceleration, engine performance without pinging or excess backlash, and more horsepower at cruising speeds. Too much cam can make an engine hard to start, rough when idling, and sluggish at low RPM.
For street performance, however, you may want acceleration and a quiet idle, as well as less wear and tear on the components for longer engine life. Knowing what is a priority will help you make the decisions about transmission style, compression and gear ratios, carburetor type, exhaust system specifications, timing, and tuning that will result in the performance you want. Compression teat gauge will be an indispensable tool if you are changing to a higher performance cam.
Hi performance camshafts can be used to build a powerful car, and can be used to increase horsepower in a modified stock car. Attention to every detail of the power plant will achieve either goal.
Best way for getting hi performance camshafts is to go at enginefor.com and see what car engine parts they have to offer.
Tags: auto, Automotive, car engine parts, Car Engines, Car Parts, cars, Cars & Trucks, engine parts, engines, motors, vehicles

