Camshafts are essentially the real brains of any engine. Looking at the big picture, an engine works because of what happens in the combustion chamber. When air mixed with gas enters the cylinders, it is compressed and ignited, forcing the piston downward which spins the crankshaft. Everything depends on the combustion of the gas and air in the chamber.
The camshaft is a rod with a series of precisely configured crest that open and close the valves in the engine. These crest vary in size, shape, and height. These variations in parameters can have dramatic effects on an engine. They determine how much a valve opens, when it opens, and how long it stays open.
Changing how and when a valve opens directly changes what gets into the combustion chamber. Keeping the valves open for a longer duration allows more gas and air in. Opening the valves more also increases the available gas and air, and more gas and air will equal a bigger explosion. This more powerful explosion forces the piston down faster, increasing horsepower.
The valves also control how exhaust gas escapes an engine. As described above, the timing of these valves is extremely important. The camshaft dictates exactly when each individual valve opens and closes, and the vehicle manufacturer has determined the best set-up for optimum power and fuel efficiency.
Because there are four strokes on an engine, the overlap of the valve openings must be configured accurately. If the valve openings overlap too much, your engine will lose its ability to pull air into the cylinders, or push exhaust gases out to the exhaust. Overlapping them just right can create a "supercharging" effect, where one (or two) valves are closing just as the other valve (or valves) is opening, the changes in pressure will help push air out, and pull air in, making the engine more efficient and stronger.
Adding a high performance camshaft can really boost performance since it is allowing more air in and out of the engine. You will sacrifice fuel economy for power, but if performance is what you are after, a nice camshaft will give you noticeable increases. The real performance can be found when a cam is paired with a free-flowing air intake and exhaust.
Majestic Modifications is the complete auto accessories solution, specializing in car accessories, cold air intakes and performance upgrades, body kits and exterior accessories, glow gauges and interior accessories, wheels and tires, mobile video, car audio and electronics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Brooks
The camshaft is a rod with a series of precisely configured crest that open and close the valves in the engine. These crest vary in size, shape, and height. These variations in parameters can have dramatic effects on an engine. They determine how much a valve opens, when it opens, and how long it stays open.
Changing how and when a valve opens directly changes what gets into the combustion chamber. Keeping the valves open for a longer duration allows more gas and air in. Opening the valves more also increases the available gas and air, and more gas and air will equal a bigger explosion. This more powerful explosion forces the piston down faster, increasing horsepower.
The valves also control how exhaust gas escapes an engine. As described above, the timing of these valves is extremely important. The camshaft dictates exactly when each individual valve opens and closes, and the vehicle manufacturer has determined the best set-up for optimum power and fuel efficiency.
Because there are four strokes on an engine, the overlap of the valve openings must be configured accurately. If the valve openings overlap too much, your engine will lose its ability to pull air into the cylinders, or push exhaust gases out to the exhaust. Overlapping them just right can create a "supercharging" effect, where one (or two) valves are closing just as the other valve (or valves) is opening, the changes in pressure will help push air out, and pull air in, making the engine more efficient and stronger.
Adding a high performance camshaft can really boost performance since it is allowing more air in and out of the engine. You will sacrifice fuel economy for power, but if performance is what you are after, a nice camshaft will give you noticeable increases. The real performance can be found when a cam is paired with a free-flowing air intake and exhaust.
Majestic Modifications is the complete auto accessories solution, specializing in car accessories, cold air intakes and performance upgrades, body kits and exterior accessories, glow gauges and interior accessories, wheels and tires, mobile video, car audio and electronics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Brooks
Labels: Auto Part
0 Comments:
<< Home | << Add a comment