Auto Racing: Cam?, sarasota florida, camshaft

Question
i know what a camshaft is and does. but i watch speed channel and very often will you see a guy who says, " It's got a cam in it". Essentialy every car has a cam in it. Why is he stating the obvious?

Answer


What the person means is that the camshaft in use is a modified version, either re-ground, or of new manufacture.  This cam will be different than the original in that the valve lift will be higher, and there will be more "duration"  (valves stay open longer).  

The camshaft is sometimes referred to as the heart of a racing engine because it can have a very dramatic effect on the horsepower and torque of an engine.

Hope that answers your question effectively !

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida