How long is cam Good For?
Manufacturers say to resling cams about every 5 years, or more often if you climb a lot, or whip a lot. Many manufacturers do not support cams after 10 years. Therefore some reslinging outfits won’t resling cams that are older than 10 years because of this statement.
How does cam duration affect idle?
Again, keeping all else constant, more duration will make the engine less efficient at low rpm, with more overlap dilution of the induction charge, and the later intake valve closing reducing the trapping efficiency. Therefore, a long-duration cam will cause rough running at idle (lope) and a loss of low-rpm torque.
Is cam bad for the engine?
A worn camshaft can lead to an engine misfire, which in turn, causes an increase in tailpipe emissions.
How does a cam affect performance?
Because it affects engine performance. For the engine to run its best, it needs accurate cam timing. As a rule, advancing cam timing 2 to 4 degrees helps low-speed torque and throttle response with little sacrifice in higher rpm power. Advancing the cam also helps compensate for chain stretch as the engine ages.
What makes a cam sound choppy?
LSA (lobe separation angle) determines the choppiness, it has to do with the overlap of when both valves are open, as in when the exhaust valve is closing and the intake valve is opening to pull fresh fuel in on the intake stroke after pushing out the burnt fuel. Most GM cams come on a 112, 114 or 116 LSA.
Why do big cams cause rough idle?
The rough idle for long duration cams is due to two primary factors: Large valve overlap (the period at TDC exhaust where both intake and exhaust valves are open) causes an increase in exhaust residual fraction.
How fast does a camshaft turn?
Because one turn of the camshaft completes the valve operation for an entire cycle of the engine and the four-stroke-cycle engine makes two crankshaft revolutions to complete one cycle, the camshaft turns half as fast as the crankshaft.
Should you cam a daily driver?
For the wear that a daily driver will put on the camshaft, new is always the best option. Cam Only? If your goal is to gain as much power from your car as possible, a camshaft will definitely add power, but it will be more beneficial if you upgrade everything else.
