Crane Compucam Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Installation
The key to making power is maximizing just the right combination of parts that, once installed, will make your entire powerplant come alive. Power starts at the camshaft--the heart of the engine. This is probably the single best area for realizing huge power gains because an aftermarket camshaft can increase valve lift and duration.
Most truck manufacturers install an all-around camshaft, one that will keep the truck from suffering poor gas mileage and will make decent power in all situations whether it's cruising, towing, or racing. You can, however, change the camshaft in your engine and then specifically tailor the new camshaft to your exact needs. For example, if you plan to use the truck most often for towing heavy loads, then use a camshaft specifically designed to produce more torque in the low rpm range. All of the big manufacturers offer a technical hotline to address your needs.
For our application, we wanted the maximum horsepower we could achieve without having to increase the stock compression ratio or go to more exotic pistons and crankshaft. So we consulted the folks at the Crane technical support hotline. They advised us to use one of their Compucam hydraulic roller camshafts.
The following information about how to install the Compucam camshaft applies to any and all hydraulic and roller tappet camshafts. So, if you want to maximize your engine's performance without adding more expensive power bolt-ons like superchargers and turbochargers, a camshaft, lifter, valve spring, and rocker arm swap may be just what the doctor ordered.
