Even if you’ve improved your engine’s breathing capability with an intake, cylinder heads, headers, and performance exhaust system, you still won’t be getting the full benefit of these mods if the valves don’t open and close at the right time, or don’t open long enough or far enough to allow the optimal quantity of gases to flow. The camshaft controls valve operation, and few other components have as much impact on engine performance.
Camshafts are designed for the vehicle’s factory configuration, and if you’ve modified your vehicle and/or have specific performance goals, your engine can produce much more power with an aftermarket performance camshaft. From increased mileage to towing, better street performance and a "lumpy" idle, to all out racing, we have the right grind for every application including hydraulic and solid, flat tappet and roller lifters.
Along with the mods listed above, compression ratio, transmission type, differential gearing, and vehicle weight must be factored in when choosing a cam. Specs will vary, but in general performance camshafts have higher lift to open the valves further, increasing airflow and power. Performance camshafts also typically have longer duration – the valves are open longer, which increases high RPM power. Longer duration is typically accompanied by increased overlap (when both intake and exhaust valves are open), which can enhance cylinder filling at high RPM, but can also result in less vacuum for power accessories at low RPM.
