ibanez7

iTrader: (7)

as the subject says.

I feel this should spark a good debate.


When selecting a cam (we are talking cam only, no other parts) do you prefer a cam that peaks high with horsepower for limited rpms. Or do you prefer a cam that peaks less but makes more power under the curve (more power per rpm for more rpms)?


and WHY???

marv

iTrader: (40)

Under the curve is where it's at...

Griswold

iTrader: (5)

power under the curve for sure. My car does not spend much time from 5500-6500 rpm. I would much rather have power that starts down low and stays steady then make high rpm peak numbers. I think power under the curve is more "usable" unless it is just a drag car.

PREDATOR-Z

It all depends what usable powerband you want and need. For Drag peak HPs and good trq in upper midrange to the end.
for mostly street under the curve with steady rpm pull.

I vote neither, I like a combo of both.

landstuhltaylor

iTrader: (6)

under the curve as i am into auto-x

marv

iTrader: (40)

That's a good point...I guess I'd say I was considering the street/strip combo myself.

mr. Jones

PREDATOR-Z hit it
street cars need power under the curve unless you drive around at 5 grand all day, a drag car with a good launch rpm wants power up high and endless RPM's.
ex. big blocks ruled the streets
but a 9000rpm smallblock with some 6.13 gears will give it a run at the drag strip.

LilSlo1

iTrader: (3)

Unless your engine runs at a constant RPM I vote under the curve.

ProjectCamaro

iTrader: (26)

Like PREDATOR-Z said it really counts on what you plan on doing with the car. But for almost all of us I would have to say under the curve is the most important part. I easily could have gone with a bigger cam and made more power but I knew I wanted a car that would be really fun on the street so I went with something smaller that created a lot of low end torque. It fits me perfectly.

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

let's see, do I have 4.56 gears yet?

No, I'll vote area under the curve.

Blk97WS6

iTrader: (19)

Under the curve FTW! Mines a DD so power under the curve is whats most important.

olaferickson

I have a pretty good drivable street cam. Good peak power but look where the torque picks up. 350 rwtq at only 3000 rpm. With the 4.56 gears this thing breaks loose and eats most I go against at any rpm.

TXZ28LS1

iTrader: (5)

id like both also like predator stated!! just insane power everywhere!!

Cop Car

iTrader: (14)

automatic guys dont have to worry about this.

4000 stall makes everything peak hp!

no point in worrying about anything under 4k rpm because the car is there for a fraction of a second in first gear and thats it. g5x3 on 110 here

Red 01SS

iTrader: (2)

under the curve of the 2

MNR-0

Both! With a preference for under-the curve above my stall RPM, which is 3000. So 3000-7000RPM under the curve.

john563

iTrader: (17)

under the curve for me

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

You need both, I would take more under the curve then peak, the broader the curve the better, Supras prove that.

06cobaltSS

for myself it depends on the car. The vette has a decent mix of power maybe a bit more setup for peak. its strong at 3k 340 rwtq but at 4600 and up its insane. The car is not my dd so when i take it out I will cruise around at high rpms and drive the car to limit. For my dd though I would want more under the curve and that is why im going to put a smaller pully on the cobalt for some extra low end.

00Vette

iTrader: (4)

peak hp and power from 4500rpm's and up for me. That's best for dragging IMO.

There are really way to many variables to really say. The best answer is in the owners wants and needs.