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Auto Racing/Cam?
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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?
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
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Dan Liddy
Expertise
Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding, fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design. Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.
Experience
I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !
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