Do aftermarket cam manufacturers make camshafts?
There are many different aftermarket cam manufacturers out there who will build a camshaft to your specifications. They will also help you figure out exactly what is going on with a different cam shaft which will be right for your application.
What factors should I consider when selecting a camshaft?
We've broken down three major factors to consider when selecting a camshaft: Lift: Cam lift, or lobe lift, is the distance between the cam lobe base circle (the smallest diameter on the lobe) and the highest point on the lobe (the largest diameter). Valve lift takes into account the additional lift provided by the rocker arms.
What to do when the camshaft fails?
If a cam is wiped out (cam lobe failure) or bearing journal failure, you can have the area rebuilt (welded) and ground down to spec again. If a cam breaks, you don't have much of a choice but replacement. For almost any of the more common engines these days which accept performance improvements, there is most likely a camshaft design for you.
How do I change the cam characteristics?
There are two easy ways to change the characteristics of your cam. Advancing and retarding the cam can move the power band up or down a few hundred rpm. Advance for more bottom end and retard for more top end. It usually takes about a 4 degree change for a driver to feel it. The second way is to change the valve lash.
Can you modify a camshaft?
Yes. Adjusting the camshafts so the cams are slightly ahead or behind will alter the engine's performance. Advancing the timing will cause the fuel intakes to open and close earlier, which improves low-end torque. Conversely, retarding the cam will improve high-end horsepower at the expense of low-end torque.
How much does it cost to upgrade camshaft?
The average cost for camshaft replacement is between $890 and $1,122. Labor costs are estimated between $889 and $1,122 while parts are priced at $0. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Does changing camshaft increase horsepower?
Does a camshaft increase horsepower? Yes, a camshaft adds 10 to 20 horsepower depending on the setup. To get the full potential of the high-performance camshaft, you'll have to swap out additional components like the air intake, exhaust manifold, injectors, and valve heads.
Do I need a tune after a cam swap?
After your new cam is installed, you will need a custom tune to ensure your vehicle is calibrated for your new parts. The car's ECU needs to be calibrated to correctly measure the extra airflow provided by your cam, so that it can proportionally inject more fuel as well.
What is a Stage 3 cam?
The LS1 Stage 3 camshaft was designed for enthusiast who want to increase power while maintaining excellent drivability and manners. This cams can be used with stock torque converters, stock rear gears, stock intake manifold, stock exhaust manifolds etc.
How much HP does a stage 4 cam add?
Equipped with the Summit Stage-4 cam, the peak power output jumped to 568 hp, but peak torque dropped slightly to 510 lb-ft. If you look at the curves, the wilder cam offered more power above 5,500 rpm, but it lost out to the milder Comp cam below that point.
Are cammed cars reliable?
A cammed car is perfectly reliable and you don't have a hair on your nut sack if you don't cam that car.
What is a Stage 4 cam?
The Stage 4 grind is a popular choice for those looking to delete DOD/AFM, or just add some pep to your trucks step. With great power gains and driving characteristics, this camshaft works well with 2800-3200 stall torque converters.
What Is a Stage 2 camshaft?
1:273:03Hot Cams - Design Theory Stage 1, 2, 3 Camshafts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsed in conditions of absolute high rpm and speed like some flat track and desert racing. With allMoreUsed in conditions of absolute high rpm and speed like some flat track and desert racing. With all three stages of cams if the OEM exhaust cam included an auto decompression.
Can you drive an untuned cam car?
I drove mine for a week untuned after my cam was installed. Ran like total crap....would die coming to a stop or at lights..... didn't have much power. But as long as you drive it easy and don't stomp on it you won't harm anything....you'll just be driving a piece of crap.....
What is a ghost cam tune?
Ghost Cam tunes utilize the Mustang's Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (TiVCT) to make the engine sound and feel race-ready.
Does a Stage 1 cam require a tune?
ADM STAGE 1 CAM -Requires no calibration,no intake system,no headers,no valve springs or any other mods. Just install the cam and you are good to go. We did the complete install in 3 hrs . Our test car had 14 miles on the odometer when we started.
What happens after you build a camshaft?
After building up material, they will grind it down so it meets proper specifications. The material used to build up a camshaft during this process is usually harder than the material the camshaft is made of, so there shouldn’t be any fear of the rebuild not holding up.
What is the process of rebuilding a camshaft?
To remanufacture a camshaft, there are two major processes the rebuilder can do: welding and regrinding.
What is regrinding a cam?
Regrinding. Regrinding is always a part of the remanufacturing process. If the wear on a camshaft is minimal, the rebuilder may only have to regrind the cam to finish remanufacturing it. A remanufacturer will use a CNC grinder to grind down the lobes of the camshaft to ensure they provide the proper lift that is required for the engine. ...
How to contact HHP for camshaft?
Our certified techs can answer your camshaft questions! Give 'em a call at 844-304-7688 to see how HHP can help you. You can also always request a quote online for any of your diesel part needs. Originally posted January 15, 2018, Updated October 30, 2018.
Is a camshaft reconditioning process?
The Camshaft Reconditioning Process. There are a few parts that you see as many (or more) remanufactured options for as new. Camshafts are one of these parts. That’s because camshafts are pretty easy to rebuild, and if done correctly, work just as well.
Can a remanufacturer rebuild a camshaft?
Before a remanufacturer can rebuild a camshaft, they need to ensure that the cam is actually rebuildable. There are a few conditions of the camshaft they need to examine to make this decision.
Can you rebuild a camshaft?
Certain camshafts can have more wear than others and be rebuilt, while other camshafts with similar wear cannot be rebuilt. It depends on the engine specifications and the specifications of the camshaft that fits in the engine.
How many camshafts does a car have?
Unless you own a rotary powered car, you can be assured camshafts affect you. Your car may have one, or as many as four , but no matter the number they are a vital part of your engine’s performance. Camshafts are a hugely complex subject that verge on top-level physics if you delve deeply into it, but even at a basic level they are probably ...
What engine uses one cam profile?
VTEC ENGINES. Thanks to the way VTEC engines use one cam profile for low rpm use and another at high rpm, wild cams are less of an issue for driveability in a VTEC-equipped car as they can be in other engines.
Is a wilder cam better for a car?
Don’t think for one second that the wilder cam you go for the faster your car will be, even if it produces higher peak power numbers, as this is often not the case. From the factory, a car’s cams are generally very mild, and are usually made in such a way for economy, reliability, and, most of all, driveability.
What is a camshaft upgrade?
Camshaft upgrades are among the most popular muscle car modifications, but with so many choices available today from performance manufacturers, selecting the right one to suit your needs can be difficult. However, there are some basics that can help you decide which camshaft will give you that added performance without sacrificing a smooth idle ...
What does a camshaft do?
Turning at half the speed of the engine's crankshaft, the camshaft has a lobe for each valve that pushes up on each valve lifter in a particular sequence. The valve lifters, through the push rod and rocker assembly, open each valve in turn to either let intake gasses in or exhaust gases out.
How long does it take for a camshaft to wear itself?
It sometimes takes less than 10 minutes of engine operation before lifters start wearing themselves into a mating surface on the camshaft lobe; old lifters will not mate properly to a new camshaft lobe and could even do damage to the new cam. New flat-tappet cams require a new set of lifters.
What is the pitfall of over camming?
The pitfall you want to avoid is over-camming. Having a camshaft that is "too big" (meaning it has duration that is too long for the application) can defeat the whole purpose of changing camshafts at all.
What is the difference between manual and automatic camshaft?
In automatics, the camshaft should produce a power curve that works with the stall speed of the torque converter, while in a manual shift you want the camshaft to match the rpm rating for the shifts. Vehicle weight is important as well.
How much RPM can a solid lifter withstand?
Solid lifters can withstand rpm ranges as high as 10,000 rpm. For street use, hydraulic roller lifters are a better bet. Computerized engines can pose a problem, as there is a limit to how much more power can be made without having to recalibrate the electronic controls.
What oil should I use for camshafts?
Now that the zinc content of most motor oils has been reduced or eliminated, several camshaft manufacturers recommend you use CI-4-rated 15W40 diesel oil (which retains zinc) for the break-in period. As an alternative, General Motors' Engine Oil Supplement can provide break-in protection. Continue Reading.
What happens when you replace a camshaft and not replace the rocker arms?
When replacing a camshaft and not replacing the rocker arms, the new camshaft will contact the used rocker arms in a different spot and create an un-even surface for the camshaft lobe. In most cases, the two burnish marks will overlap and cause scoring and eventually lead to camshaft failure.
What is cam gear?
Cam gears are an effective way to “dial-in” a camshaft by advancing the cam for more low-end power or retarding the cam for more top-end power. Valve Train (Valves, Seals, Springs, etc): Choosing the correct camshaft and matching valve train components is crucial for maximum performance as well as reliability.
Why replace LC rocker arms?
The main reason is that the rocker arm will wear or "burnish" before the camshaft lobe will. When replacing a camshaft and not replacing the rocker arms, the new camshaft will contact the used rocker arms in a different spot ...
What should your valve springs match?
For example, your valve springs should match the lift of the cam so the valves can open and close how they are intended to with proper retainers. RPM: When selecting your camshaft, you should have in mind, what you will be using the vehicle for. For example, if you are driving the vehicle everyday, there is no point of getting a cam ...
Is a bigger lift cam better?
Always find the best power range for your specific application, bigger lifts are not always better. Valve-Piston Clearance: One of the most important details that is often overlooked is piston to valve clearance. If you do not consider this when going to a higher lift cam, the piston could hit the valve and damage the engine.
Does resurfacing a rocker remove heat?
Resurfacing the wear pads will also remove the heat-treating making the face of the rocker soft, not to mention it changes the geometry as well as the ratio of the rocker arm. There are photos below that will show some examples of normal wear and abnormal wear.
What happens if a cam breaks?
If a cam breaks, you don't have much of a choice but replacement. For almost any of the more common engines these days which accept performance improvements, there is most likely a camshaft design for you. There are many different aftermarket cam manufacturers out there who will build a camshaft to your specifications.
Is it cheaper to buy a new cam shaft?
In most cases it's going to be easier/cheaper to buy a new cam than it would be to have your cam shaft ground down with a new profile ... that's most cases. There are always the odd-ball engines which don't have an aftermarket which you'll need to do some extraordinary means to accomplish your goals.
Can cam lobes be reground?
This is easily detectable with a compression test. Theoretically the worn cam lobe can be reground to regain the lift. The problem with this technique is that not every valve train can compensate for the reduced base circle. Any car with adjustable valves can usually tolerate this.
Can aftermarket camshafts be built?
There are many different aftermarket cam manufacturers out there who will build a camshaft to your specifications. They will also help you figure out exactly what is going on with a different cam shaft which will be right for your application. They can even build to suit.
