Rob,
You have asked a question that covers an area from pure mathematical
engineering to black magic. A camshaft is designed to open valves to both a
specific height and for a specific duration. The camshaft designer has to
decide when it will all take place in relationship to the position of the
pistons on their travel up and down the bores, and at different piston
speeds, I.E., rpm. Many other factors come into play including compression,
piston head shape, head chamber shape, port shape and size, carburation, etc.
There are many engine design books available that touch upon camshaft
design, but one of my favorites that covers all aspects of engine design is
POWER SECRETS by Smokey Yunick. It is available at many performance related
automotive stores and can be ordered from Motorbooks International.
I will repeat a plug for a local camgrinder too. Delta Camshaft in
Tacoma, WA. has over 30 tested camshaft profiles for Sunbeam and Hillman. A
regrind from Jerry Bodwell at Delta runs about $45.00, and if you know the
compression you plan to be running, your chamber volume, your
application...street-autocross-full road racing-drag racing-tractor
pulling-marine-pumping water or whatever, he can help you decide what will
really work for you. Pacific Tiger Club held a meeting at Jerry's shop two
or three summers back and it was very well received. His number is
1-800-562-5500.
Jim Leach, Seattle
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Tue Sep 05 2000 - 10:45:06 CDT