Camshafts choosing for dummies
Camshafts choosing for dummies I know different set-ups calls for different camshaft and that is not what I'm after. I am just trying to educate myself on the art of choosing the correct camshaft for my set-up now and future engine builds. I don't want to have to depend on others to pick a cam for me. So can some of you more knowledgeable guys explains in the ins and out of a camshaft. This should include info such as: lsa, intake duration, exhaust duration, reverse duration, cam lobes, ramp rates, and much more. This is cam choosing for dummies so every bit of info is appreciated. I did a search for this but could not find all the info so please help..
You (op) did not look very hard...
...the cam guide is a sticky located in the gen 3 internal engine section that you just posted in...check it out it is very informative and should answer all your questions about cam selection. It even has pictures.
...the cam guide is a sticky located in the gen 3 internal engine section that you just posted in...check it out it is very informative and should answer all your questions about cam selection. It even has pictures. . If you are just starting to learn about cams and valve events BY FAR the best advice I can give you is have an expert spec your cam.....
I would (and did) fill out this form and have Geoff spec you one>>>>> http://www.engpwrsys.com/images/File...ld%20sheet.pdf
I would (and did) fill out this form and have Geoff spec you one>>>>> http://www.engpwrsys.com/images/File...ld%20sheet.pdf
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There are a lot of greath camshaft articles in Chevy High performance / Hot Rod magazine, engine building books, summits website, comp cams website and the sticky's here. Engine building books are a great source.
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Verdad Gallardo .. I am really trying to learn as much as I can about cams. I don't just want to call a sponsor and not have any idea what I'm talking about. People tend to take advantage of you when you don't know much and is 100% dependant on them to make a decision for you. That's just my opinion. I'm gaining a lot of knowledge just by reading the l92 threads.
I am really trying to learn as much as I can about cams. I don't just want to call a sponsor and not have any idea what I'm talking about. People tend to take advantage of you when you don't know much and is 100% dependant on them to make a decision for you. That's just my opinion. I'm gaining a lot of knowledge just by reading the l92 threads.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Cams and camshaft operation is actually very complicated. There is nothing wrong with having someone choose it for you based on what you tell them you want. I could help anyone choose a camshaft, however, when buying a new cam for my car yesterday, I took the advice and bought one that was suggested by a senior member on here that so far only one person on this site runs. And I didnt buy it from him or anyone he knew so he didn't benefit monetarily at all. Talk about going out on a limb 
Nothing wrong with trusting people.
Nothing wrong with trusting people. 
There is a good book out by David Vizard and he walks you through the cam design and then effects of different design aspects. His book is geared towards a small block but the theory doesn't change. Nice book.
He also has numerous articles out, here is an example: Be the Cam Expert by David Vizard
He also has numerous articles out, here is an example: Be the Cam Expert by David Vizard
There is a good book out by David Vizard and he walks you through the cam design and then effects of different design aspects. His book is geared towards a small block but the theory doesn't change. Nice book.
He also has numerous articles out, here is an example: Be the Cam Expert by David Vizard
He also has numerous articles out, here is an example: Be the Cam Expert by David Vizard
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 3
From: Upstate NY
I am really trying to learn as much as I can about cams. I don't just want to call a sponsor and not have any idea what I'm talking about. People tend to take advantage of you when you don't know much and is 100% dependant on them to make a decision for you. That's just my opinion. I'm gaining a lot of knowledge just by reading the l92 threads.
Generally, the more intelligent/smarter the customer, the more they realize they don't really know much about choosing cams and they leave it to the pro. Interestingly, they most often end up with the performance they wanted.
It is VERY easy for a cam guy to figure out how much you know, or don't know, in just a few minutes...sometimes just a few seconds. Of course, that applies to almost any subject that one might be an expert on.
If you are concerned about being taken advantage of because of lack of knowledge, you are choosing the wrong cam guy. Actually the most difficult task you face is finding the right person, whether you know anything about cams or not. I'd spend my time doing that rather than doing a cram course on a very complex subject.
BTW, the "cam knowledge" gained from reading these boards is not necessarily correct. Some of it is horribly wrong. How does the neophyte know?
"Cam selection for Dummies" is as short a book as "Brainsurgery for Dummies." In fact, the text is identical: "Let the experienced professional do it for you." It's worded differently in those books: "Don't try this at home!"
My $.02
Jon
PS, I'm not a "cam guy".
