By Car enthusiasts are always searching for ways to make their vehicles faster, louder, and more powerful. Among the many performance upgrades available, one modification stands out for its distinctive results — camming a car. You might have heard someone mention “I just cammed my car,” and wondered what that actually means.
Camming a car involves modifying or replacing the camshaft to alter how the engine breathes, resulting in changes to power output, engine behavior, and even the car’s signature exhaust sound. It is one of the most popular upgrades among performance tuners because it can dramatically change how an engine performs.
To understand camming, you need to know how the camshaft works, what it controls, and how modifying it affects the overall performance of your vehicle.
Understanding the Role of the Camshaft
The camshaft is a crucial component of an internal combustion engine. It regulates the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. As the camshaft rotates, small lobes or “cams” push on the valves at precise times, controlling how air and fuel enter the cylinders and how exhaust gases exit.
The timing and duration of these valve openings have a direct impact on how efficiently the engine runs. A factory-installed camshaft is designed to balance performance, fuel economy, and emissions for daily driving. However, performance enthusiasts often replace or modify the camshaft to improve airflow and increase power output.
When you install a more aggressive camshaft, the engine’s valve timing changes, allowing more air and fuel into the combustion chamber. This process is known as “camming a car.”
What Does Camming a Car Mean?
Camming a car simply means upgrading or changing the camshaft to improve engine performance. The modification can range from installing a mild cam designed for better torque to an aggressive cam that maximizes high-end horsepower.
Camming can make a car sound more powerful because the change in valve timing alters the exhaust note, creating that deep, uneven “lope” sound often heard in muscle cars. However, camming is not just about sound — it also changes how the engine performs at different RPM ranges.
Depending on the cam profile, your car may produce more power at higher RPMs or deliver stronger low-end torque. The key is choosing a camshaft that matches your driving style and engine setup.
How Camming Works
Camming works by altering three main characteristics of valve timing:
- Duration: How long a valve stays open during each cycle.
- Lift: How far the valve opens.
- Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): The angle between the intake and exhaust lobes on the camshaft.
A longer duration or higher lift allows more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in a stronger explosion and greater power. However, this can also affect engine smoothness and idle stability.
Engines with mild cam upgrades maintain a steady idle and good drivability, while aggressive cams can cause a rough idle and require tuning adjustments.
Types of Camshafts
There are several types of camshafts, each suited to different goals and engine setups.
- Flat Tappet Camshaft:
This traditional design uses flat lifters and is found in older engines. It’s simple and affordable but requires proper lubrication and maintenance. - Roller Camshaft:
Modern performance engines often use roller camshafts, which have roller lifters that reduce friction and wear. They allow for higher lift and faster valve movement, making them ideal for high-performance applications. - Single Overhead Cam (SOHC):
In this design, one camshaft operates both intake and exhaust valves for each cylinder bank. It offers a balance between simplicity and performance. - Double Overhead Cam (DOHC):
This setup uses two camshafts per cylinder bank — one for intake and one for exhaust — allowing greater control over valve timing and higher performance potential.
Choosing the right camshaft depends on your vehicle’s engine type and your desired performance goals.
Benefits of Camming a Car
Camming a car can offer several advantages for performance enthusiasts.
Increased Horsepower and Torque:
A properly selected and tuned camshaft can significantly boost power by improving airflow and combustion efficiency.
Enhanced Exhaust Sound:
Camming gives cars a distinctive, throaty idle that many enthusiasts find irresistible. This sound comes from the overlap between the intake and exhaust valve timing.
Improved Throttle Response:
With better airflow, the engine responds faster to acceleration, giving you a more engaging driving experience.
Customization Potential:
Camshafts can be tailored to your goals — from street performance to track racing — making them one of the most flexible modifications available.
Compatibility with Other Mods:
Camming works well with other upgrades like headers, exhaust systems, and cold air intakes, allowing for even greater performance gains.
Drawbacks and Risks of Camming
While camming can transform your vehicle, it’s not without drawbacks.
Rough Idle and Drivability:
Aggressive camshafts can cause a rough idle and poor low-speed performance, making them less suitable for daily driving.
Fuel Economy Reduction:
Because camming changes valve timing, the engine often consumes more fuel to maintain performance.
Increased Maintenance:
Performance cams put more stress on the valvetrain, requiring stronger springs and frequent checks to prevent damage.
Need for Tuning:
After installing a new camshaft, the engine’s computer must be tuned to adjust air-fuel ratios and ignition timing. Without tuning, the engine may run poorly or even suffer damage.
Potential Emissions Issues:
Some cam upgrades can affect emissions compliance, making the car illegal for street use in certain regions.
It’s essential to consult an experienced mechanic or performance shop before camming your vehicle to ensure you select the right setup.
How Camming Affects Sound
One of the most noticeable effects of camming is the change in exhaust note. Camming alters the overlap period — when both intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. This overlap causes irregular firing at low speeds, creating that iconic lopey idle.
The more aggressive the cam, the rougher and deeper the idle sounds. Many enthusiasts choose to cam their cars partly for this reason, as it gives their vehicle a distinct, powerful personality.
However, it’s important to remember that sound alone does not equal performance. A well-balanced cam that delivers both power and drivability is better than one chosen only for noise.
Cost of Camming a Car
The cost of camming varies widely depending on the type of car and camshaft used. Basic camshaft kits can cost between 500 and 1500 dollars, while professional installation and tuning may add another 1000 to 3000 dollars.
Additional parts such as upgraded valve springs, pushrods, and gaskets are often required to ensure reliability. While it can be a significant investment, many enthusiasts consider camming one of the best upgrades for performance per dollar spent.
Choosing the Right Cam for Your Vehicle
Choosing the right camshaft is a balance between power, reliability, and drivability. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Engine Type: Some engines respond better to cam upgrades than others.
- Intended Use: A race cam is unsuitable for daily commuting, while a mild cam can deliver both power and comfort.
- Supporting Mods: Ensure your intake, exhaust, and fuel systems can handle the increased airflow.
- Professional Tuning: Always have your car tuned after cam installation to maximize performance and reliability.
Talking with experienced tuners or engine builders can help you select the right camshaft for your goals.
The Future of Camming and Modern Engines
Modern engines equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) have changed how camming is approached. These systems automatically adjust cam timing for different driving conditions, offering both efficiency and performance.
Although camshaft swaps are less common in new vehicles, the principle of optimizing valve timing remains the same. Performance tuners now use software tuning and cam phasing systems to achieve similar effects without mechanical replacement.
Camming remains a symbol of traditional engine tuning — a reminder of the mechanical artistry that defined classic performance culture.
Conclusion
Camming a car is more than just an upgrade — it is a statement of performance passion. By replacing or modifying the camshaft, you can unlock new levels of horsepower, torque, and sound that transform the driving experience.
However, it’s not a modification to be taken lightly. The right camshaft must match your engine, your goals, and your driving style. With proper planning, professional installation, and tuning, camming can be one of the most rewarding modifications you can make.
Whether you seek the thrilling sound of a lopey idle or the rush of newfound power, understanding the science and art of camming ensures you get the best results from your build.
FAQs
1. What does it mean to cam a car?
Camming a car means upgrading the camshaft to change valve timing, improving airflow and engine performance. It can increase power and alter the car’s exhaust sound.
2. Does camming make your car faster?
Yes, a properly chosen camshaft can significantly increase horsepower and torque, especially when combined with other performance upgrades.
3. Can camming damage an engine?
Not if done correctly. However, improper installation or failure to tune the engine afterward can lead to mechanical issues.
4. How much horsepower does a cam add?
Depending on the setup, a camshaft upgrade can add anywhere from 20 to 100 horsepower, but results vary based on the engine and supporting modifications.
5. Is camming legal for street use?
In some areas, aggressive camshafts that affect emissions may not be street legal. Always check local laws before performing the modification.
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