Expert: Dan Liddy - 2/22/2004

Question
Hello,are the various camshafts known only by the lifters they use or are the camshafts themselves of  a different design.My question is are the hydralic . solid , and roller camshafts of differing designs aside from the lifters they use .Thank you.

Answer
Hi Charles:

Yes, there are literally thousands of camshafts available depending on the purpose of the engine.  It's even possible to get one for a motor home which will give more torque and better fuel mileage.   Most cams are discussed in terms of their total valve lift, in thousandths of an inch. and also in terms of their duration in degrees,(how long the valve stays open )   Basically, added lift gives better torque, and the longer durations allow the engine to make more revs and more horsepower.

So the answer again is yes.  There are 'roller cams'  cams for hydraulic lifters, and also for solid lifters.  Then there are the kind I use which are for overhead cam engines, where no lifters are used at all.

If you are building a project, and intend to buy parts, you can contact Summit Racing at "www.summitracing.com" and their tech guys will be glad to answer questions for you.  

Camshaft design is an extremely complex subject, engineers devote entire careers trying to find a better profile.

Hope this answers your questions, if not, feel free to write again

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida