[06sixbanger]

I've looked at a lot of videos that say Cammed? I know Cammed is the Camshaft, but what roll does it play in our engines? and What does a better cam do for performance on our cars besides make it sound awesome! After hearing a few I would like to start researching them an possibly down the road buying one! Anybody have one already and know where they can be purchased? Also they use the word "lift" whats that? and also numbers like one said 216/216 lope?? Please any info would help, Im willing to learn everything I can about cars! Thanks guys!

[stlwagon]

DURATION

Duration refers to the length of time a valve is opened in relation to crankshaft rotation. This open valve time period is expressed in degrees of crankshaft rotation. So, a cam specification of 220 degrees duration simply means the cam holds the valve open for 220 degrees of crankshaft rotation.


SEPARATION
Separation refers to the spacing between the intake lobe and exhaust lobe on the cam shaft. This spacing (or separation) is expressed in degrees on the cam, not on the crankshaft. So, a 108 lobe separation means the intake and exhaust lobes are 108 degrees apart from each other on the cam shaft.
This spec by itself really doesn't mean anything. If you hear someone else is using a cam with 108 separation, don't think that you should use cams that only have 108 separation!


LIFT
While duration refers to how long the valve is opened, cam lift is used to determine how wide the valve is opened.
If the valves are not opened wide enough, they will cause a restriction for the air trying to enter or exit the cylinder. However, opening the valve past a certain point will not increase the flow to (or from) the cylinder.