How to choose a camshaft
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'''See:''' [[Camshaft install tips and tricks]] | '''See:''' [[Camshaft install tips and tricks]] | ||
| − | == | + | ==Custom cam== |
Choosing a cam is often something that seems shrouded in mystery. The manufacturers have a hundred years of technology to draw from and millions of dollars and man-hours expended on the research, development and testing of camshafts. They 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 look into a custom designed/ground camshaft if a particular combination falls between what's readily available. Most all the cam companies will set you up with a custom ground cam for a fee. And most companies have tech lines and web sites to help you pick the right grind. Take the manufacturer's expertise and recommendations into account when deciding on a cam. | Choosing a cam is often something that seems shrouded in mystery. The manufacturers have a hundred years of technology to draw from and millions of dollars and man-hours expended on the research, development and testing of camshafts. They 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 look into a custom designed/ground camshaft if a particular combination falls between what's readily available. Most all the cam companies will set you up with a custom ground cam for a fee. And most companies have tech lines and web sites to help you pick the right grind. Take the manufacturer's expertise and recommendations into account when deciding on a cam. | ||
| + | ==Simulation software== | ||
Another helpful item for choosing a cam (short of buying dyno simulation software), is the free software offered by Comp Cam, called [http://www.compcams.com/camquest/default.asp '''CamQuest''']. It lets you compare their cams affects power output. For more in-depth research, purchase some dyno simulation software like Desktop Dyno 2000 or DynoSim. They allow you to alter the cam specs and the results are displayed graphically on a simulated dyno chart. | Another helpful item for choosing a cam (short of buying dyno simulation software), is the free software offered by Comp Cam, called [http://www.compcams.com/camquest/default.asp '''CamQuest''']. It lets you compare their cams affects power output. For more in-depth research, purchase some dyno simulation software like Desktop Dyno 2000 or DynoSim. They allow you to alter the cam specs and the results are displayed graphically on a simulated dyno chart. | ||
| − | To summarize | + | ==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 engine builder 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 combination and a clumsy, finicky engine that won't put a smile on your face. | ||
==Resources== | ==Resources== | ||
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