Graham Hansen, author of the best-selling SA Design title How To Build Big-Inch Chevy Small Blocks, takes the mystery out of camshaft and valvetrain function, selection, and design. He covers camshaft basics, including a thorough explanation of how a cam operates in conjunction with the rest of the engine and valvetrain. He discusses technical terms like overlap, lobe centerline, duration, lift, and cam profiling. Comparisons between roller and flat-tappet cams are addressed and analyzed.
This book covers rocker arms, lifters, valves, valvesprings, retainers, guideplates, pushrods, and cam drives, as well as detailed information on how to degree a cam and choose the proper cam for your application. Finally, matching cams to cylinder heads, analyzing port flow, and proving it all through dyno tests round out this informative volume.
Graham Hansen, author of the best-selling SA Design title How To Build Big-Inch Chevy Small Blocks, takes the mystery out of camshaft and valvetrain function, selection, and design. He covers camshaft basics, including a thorough explanation of how a cam operates in conjunction with the rest of the engine and valvetrain. He discusses technical terms like overlap, lobe centerline, duration, lift, and cam profiling. Comparisons between roller and flat-tappet cams are addressed and analyzed.
This book covers rocker arms, lifters, valves, valvesprings, retainers, guideplates, pushrods, and cam drives, as well as detailed information on how to degree a cam and choose the proper cam for your application. Finally, matching cams to cylinder heads, analyzing port flow, and proving it all through dyno tests round out this informative volume.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Small-Block Chevy Cams and Valvetrains
Basics
Where We’re Headed
Chapter 2: Camshaft Basics
Camshaft Types
Lobe Prospecting – Duration
Lobe Centerlines
Advance or Retard
Overlap
Overlap Specialties
Exhaust Closing
Lobe Profiling
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Roller Cams
Mechanical vs. Hydraulic Rollers
Pluses and Minuses
Mechanical Rollers
Street Rollers
Converting From Flat to Roller
Conclusion
Chapter 4: Valvetrain Overview
Evolution
Chapter 5: Valves, Springs, Retainers, and Keepers
Valves
Springs 1
Retainers and Keepers
Seals
Conclusion
Chapter 6: Rocker Arms, Studs, Pushrods, and Lifters
Rocker Arms
It’s All in the Ratio
Studs and Guideplates
Pushrods
Lifters
Chapter 7: Cam Drives
Practical Applications
Conclusion
Chapter 8: Shaft Rocker Systems
Fulcrum Length
Offset Rockers
Practical Applications
Chapter 9: How To Install and Degree a Cam
Bolt It In
Tools to Get Your Degree
Degree Program
Converting to a Roller Cam
Power Tuning
Lash Loops
Conclusion
Chapter 10: How to Choose a Cam
The Saga of Ricky Racer
Street Compromises
Duration Facts
Chapter 11: Supercharger, Nitrous, and Turbo Cams
Nitrous
Supercharging
Turbocharging
Power Adder Cams
Nitrous Cams
Chapter 12: Valvetrain Dynamics
Valve Float
Valve Toss
Lobe Design
Mass Attack
Conclusion
Chapter 13: Matching Cams and Cylinder Heads
Port Flow
Cams and Cylinder Heads
Conclusion
Chapter 14: Dyno Tests
Engine 1
Engine 2
Engine 3
Engine 4
Engine 5
Engine 6
Engine 7
Engine 8
Source Guide