Tag: high cam
Camshaft and Performance (High-Cam) Camshaft Guide: With North Tuned Expertise
At the heart of every engine lies the master of synchronization: the Camshaft. At North Tuned, we understand that efficiency and pure power are hidden within the precise calibration of this vital component.
What is a Camshaft and How Does It Work?
The camshaft is a critical auxiliary shaft that receives its motion from the crankshaft to manage engine valves. In a standard four-stroke engine, while the crankshaft completes two full rotations (720°), the camshaft completes one (360°).
Its primary duty is to dictate exactly when the intake and exhaust valves open and how long they remain open with millimetric precision. Usually manufactured from high-quality carbon steel through casting or forging, the camshaft features journals, drive gears, and the “cams” that physically actuate the valves.
Power Transmission and Risk Factors
The method of driving the camshaft varies by engine architecture:
Timing Belt/Chain: Used in inline engines where the distance between shafts is significant. At North Tuned, we warn that a snapped or slipped timing belt causes valves to collide with pistons, leading to catastrophic engine failure.
Gear-to-Gear: Common in some V-type configurations where the shafts are close, offering the most durable and efficient transfer.
Signs of Wear and Performance Loss
Even slight wear on the cam lobes results in reduced valve lift or incorrect timing. This restricts the engine’s “breathing,” leading to power loss, poor combustion, and increased fuel consumption.
The Key to Performance: High-Duration (Performance) Camshafts
For those seeking to unlock the true potential of their engine, the first stop is the Performance Camshaft. With North Tuned solutions, we bypass the restrictive profiles of OEM shafts to redefine your engine’s character.
How Does It Generate Power?
High-performance camshafts increase the “duration” (time open) and “lift” (depth of opening) of the valves. Allowing more air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber per cycle results in a more powerful explosion, leading to power gains of up to 35%.
Technical Terminology & North Tuned Analysis
LIFT: Indicates how far the camshaft pushes the valve open. Higher lift means a larger “curtain area” for airflow.
DURATION: The measurement of how long the valve stays off its seat, measured in degrees of crankshaft rotation.
OVERLAP: The critical window where both intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously. This scavenges exhaust gases and pulls in fresh charge at high RPMs.
POWER BAND: The RPM range where the camshaft profile is most efficient. At North Tuned, we optimize this band based on your needs, whether for the track or the street.
Vital Note: A performance camshaft is not a standalone miracle. To achieve maximum reliability and output, this modification should be supported by reinforced valve springs, adjustable cam gears, and most importantly, a custom North Tuned ECU Remap.