Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

can a cam cause a loss of hp?

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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 07:13 PM
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Default can a cam cause a loss of hp?

hypothetically speaking, if a forced induction heads/cam combo does well initially, and then a new set of heads that are bigger ( better flowing) are thrown in to the equation, can the cam actually be hurting the motor's hp ( maybe even loosing hp?) by being too small then? or am i just way off on this??
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 07:19 PM
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In general, no.
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 01:26 AM
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Maybe putting in a bigger cam w/too much overlap would cause a problem....

But all depending on the motor and the setup....

Right now I'm running a 214/218 .540/.550 114lsa cam in my iron block motor, ran this same cam in my stock C.I. motor.......

I plan on a 230/240 or something along the lines of what Nasty T/A has speced out.....something to "fit" the added cubes a little better.....the driveability on the street w/the small cam is great though, idles completely like a stock car........
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Pro Stock John
In general, no.
what makes you say that?....... I think otherwise, if the right cam is not selected for the right setup, yes you most certainly can loose horseower.
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 08:16 AM
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yes, it can.
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 10:25 AM
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"hypothetically speaking, if a forced induction heads/cam combo does well initially, and then a new set of heads that are bigger ( better flowing) are thrown in to the equation, can the cam actually be hurting the motor's hp ( maybe even loosing hp?) by being too small then? or am i just way off on this??"

Too general, post up the details of the parts.

But if you went from some 290cfm/215 cfm heads to some 325/230 cfm heads and nothing else is changed you should make as good power but with less boost.

Camshaft duration makes power, no doubt.

But camshafts need to be selected based on how much power you want to make, can support, and how high you can and want to spin your engine. In the case of Bos he could probably benefit from more camshaft and still spin his motor just to 6500. If he was going to spin it to 7000 I would suggest something in the range or mine or even a bit bigger. I run a 230/236 FMS cam. I made 746rwhp at 6700 and it was still pulling so I bet I would make 760rwhp or more at 7000.
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 12:59 PM
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the heads where almost just like you mentioned, they went from stock 6.0 cfm on the intake / 230 exhaust to about 320 cfm intake 230 exhaust. the cam is a 220/226 .564/.569 ( .598/.604 with 1.8 rockers) 114 lsa.
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Old Mar 20, 2004 | 10:31 AM
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hypothetically speaking, if a forced induction heads/cam combo does well initially, and then a new set of heads that are bigger ( better flowing) are thrown in to the equation, can the cam actually be hurting the motor's hp ( maybe even loosing hp?) by being too small then? or am i just way off on this??
Not even hypothetically could you lose any peak hp with that setup.

You will gain power EVERY time.

Your cam may no longer be optimal for your setup, but you certainly won't be losing any power.
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Old Mar 20, 2004 | 11:05 AM
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All you would do is loose boost. But slap a smaller pulley on it and you'll make alot more power.
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Old Mar 20, 2004 | 11:31 AM
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thanks for the replys.
ok, how about if the heads where messed up on the intake side. (i.e. widened too much or something- even though i think it doesn't matter cause air is forced in). or how about if the exhaust side was messed up?
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Old Mar 20, 2004 | 01:05 PM
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With the upgraded heads you might make less boost and the same power. The better flowing heads are less of a restriction. This is a good thing.

If you have lost major power maybe the new heads have issues... bad valve job etc.
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