The camshaft is the primary engine component that contributes to the opening and closing of valves. The valve timing events (opening and closing time of the valves) and the duration (length of time the valves stay open) is controlled by the camshaft profile. The camshaft lobe lift works with the rocker arm ratio to provide maximum valve lift. The rocker arm multiplies the camshaft lobe lift by the rocker ratio and contributes to the total valve lift for the intake and exhaust valves.
The selection of the optimum camshaft profile can produce significant gains in performance when a camshaft is designed to work with the engine combination.
The selection of the right camshaft profile is dependent on the performance and design of engine components that work together as a system to effect power production. The best possible camshaft profile is determined by some of the following elements:
• Cylinder head airflow capabilities
• Intake manifold airflow
• Intake port runner length
• Exhaust system flow capability
• Primary header tube length
• Header tube diameter
• Rocker arm ratio
• Engine cubic inch displacement
• Crankshaft stroke
• Piston Bore
• Compression ratio
• Engine power range
Ned Erkman
Author of The Read for Speed
The selection of the optimum camshaft profile can produce significant gains in performance when a camshaft is designed to work with the engine combination.
The selection of the right camshaft profile is dependent on the performance and design of engine components that work together as a system to effect power production. The best possible camshaft profile is determined by some of the following elements:
• Cylinder head airflow capabilities
• Intake manifold airflow
• Intake port runner length
• Exhaust system flow capability
• Primary header tube length
• Header tube diameter
• Rocker arm ratio
• Engine cubic inch displacement
• Crankshaft stroke
• Piston Bore
• Compression ratio
• Engine power range
Ned Erkman
Author of The Read for Speed
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