Camshaft

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Design Specifications

Lobe Geometry Parameters of Custom Camshafts

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Material Standards

• OE Camshafts: Chilled cast iron (ASTM A532)

• Performance: 8620 steel w/induction hardening

• Extreme Duty: Tool steel (M2) with PVD coating

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Performance Metrics

1. Valve Timing Events (@ 0.050" lift):

• Intake Opens (IO): 5°–15° BTDC

• Intake Closes (IC): 30°–60° ABDC

• Exhaust Opens (EO): 40°–60° BBDC

• Exhaust Closes (EC): 5°–15° ATDC

2. Lobe Separation Angle (LSA):

• Street: 112°–116° (smooth idle)

• Race: 104°–110° (high overlap)

3. Dynamic vs. Static Timing:

• Valve Float Threshold: Typically occurs 500–1000 RPM beyond rated limit

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Manufacturing Processes

1. Billet Machining (CNC-ground from solid bar)

• Tolerance: ±0.0001" lobe profile

• Surface finish: 8–12 μin Ra

2. Chilled Casting (OE method)

• Case hardness: 55–60 HRC

• Core hardness: 30–35 HRC

3. Welded Cams (for custom profiles)

• Stellite overlay on critical areas

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Failure Modes & Root Causes

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Preventative Measures:

• Maintain ZDDP >1200ppm in break-in oil

• Limit spring pressure to<400 lbs/in² (hydraulic)

• Verify cam bearing clearance (0.0015–0.003")

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Performance Tuning Considerations

For Turbocharged Applications:

• Wider LSA (118°–122°): Reduces reversion

• Asymmetric Lobes: Faster opening vs closing rates

NA Race Engines:

• Narrow LSA (102°–106°): Increases overlap

• Aggressive Ramps: 0.0035–0.004"/degree

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Systems:

• Phaser range typically 30°–50° of adjustment

• Requires low-friction lobe coatings

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Installation Protocol

1. Pre-Lube Procedure

• Coat lobes with moly paste (85% minimum solids)

• Prime oil system to 30 psi minimum

2. Break-In Sequence

• 20–30 minutes at 2000–2500 RPM

• Non-synthetic oil for first 500 miles

3. Critical Torque Specs

• Cam cap bolts: 15–25 Nm + 90° (stretch bolts)

• Timing gear: 80–120 Nm (keyed vs. interference fit)

Alignment Checks:

• Cam-to-crank parallelism<0.002" over 6"

• End play 0.003–0.008" (thrust bearing)

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Advanced Materials Comparison

Pro Tip: For flat tappet cams, always verify lobe taper (0.0005–0.0015" across face) to ensure proper lifter rotation.

Custom Camshafts Car Engine Specification