How to properly select a Camshaft

[@gforcecache]

I am a subscriber who has no intention of rebuilding my own engine or even getting a rebuilt engine. However,, for me, the channel provides the best way for me to learn about engines. This video was a great way to see how this all comes together. Thank you.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Thanks for sharing

[@terryr.1206]

Fantastic ! I want you to know that we all very much appreciate your teachings and how you explain the function of an air pump. I’ve learned so much from your channel. I built my first engine by watching my vintageiron!! And it is a ground pounder!!! Just want to say thanks, I couldn’t have done it without you. Luv the video!!! Keep keeping it 100!! Thanks

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Thank you very much!

[@elinehemiah8156]

I guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@lyricnash1390]

@Eli Nehemiah instablaster :)

[@elinehemiah8156]

@Lyric Nash I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@lcelord3941]

this is great knowledge and seeing the math back it up really cemented it in my head

[@stephenrocque8458]

Excellent set of videos on camshafts selection. Keep up the great work

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Thanks 👍

[@williamhill1393]

I wanted to say thanks for putting this video out. I got out of building engines for basically a few decades and recently wanted to start doing it again and have forgotten a lot of this stuff.

[@dantemalone2704]

Absolutely the best camshaft selection video EVER!!!!!!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Thanks

[@alexanderserrano7862]

Just bought a C5 corvette to use as a drift vette/daily commuter. Been looking for an informational video on camshafts and stumbled upon your channel. THANK YOU so much for putting out such concise and well explained videos packed with knowledge! I've learned so much from this I honestly feel like I owe you a beer at least or something! Lol

[@million65555]

Great video, thanks. Ed Iskederian wrote a great book on cams back in the 60"s. You can still find them online.

[@beniamino939]

This was a great video. Thank you for the knowledge about something so overlooked in motor building.

[@anthonyardizzone3792]

Super job of explaining what you need and why to build an engine using math not myth. Thank you.

[@jasonmassengill7865]

Thanks for your videos. I like how you break things down to understand. Appreciate it.

[@CLCustom1911]

This is, by far, the best overall explanation of the magical bump stick in one place, at one time. I think the only thing I could ask to add (unless I missed it) was the relationship of amount of valve duration overlap and exhaust scavenging as it pertains to clean combustion and such. But, that's kinda minutiae compared to the big ticket items of lift, duration, and how the heads play the pivotal role in potential horsepower production. Excellent, excellent video and information. EDIT TO ADD: LOL just started part 2. subject #1....... overlap and scavenging!! YOU ROCK

[@BubbaAyers1969]

It’s close to your first video of this.. this is stuff we used back in early 80’s, if ppl will do the numbers they will be happy with there engine, we’ve built many of them using this, great video

[@glennmiller9031]

The cam has always been a mystery to me. Thanks for clarifying this for me. I am looking forward to watching part 2.

[@misters2837]

WOW, You laid it all out! I have built quite a few of 351W based engines, (I am a "FORD GUY" but realistically the "AIR PUMP" doesn't matter what logo is cast in the side of it!) and more CID per cylinder changes cam choice as well (A Radical 289cid Cam in a 410cid engine seems more much tame!)..I was guessing for that FIRST head, Flat Tappet, Nice Street "Cruising" Car (Like that 1968 Mustang you were working on w/GT40P heads, "Just upgrading a mostly STOCK 351cid Carbureted engine, with stock drivetrain") - *stock converter* .450/.450 on lift... and "Guessing" 218°/224° @.050...on a 110° LSA.. So I grabbed My Comp Book... In the Comp Book...XE262H cam is a good choice without making it TOO radical, has .493/.500 lift which is at the VERY high end of your "Example" .450 lift heads range 218°/224° and 110° LSA...but you could choose a different/custom grind, or go down to the XE256H and make that 351 a little more smoother at idle...I wouldn't but that's ME, unless there was a "NO LOPE" request. The D3OE 1973+ 351W Hyd Cam specs I have (Which Could be WRONG) are .416/.445 198°/208° @.050 115°LSA (Plus ran Really Retarded!) WOW no wonder those emissions engines were so LAZY!

[@coachgrizz602]

Bought myself what I thought was a dirt and oil covered 1967 Ford 390 FE, and thought I could rebuild it based on what I remembered from high school and what I learned watching you. But I think what I thought was a 1967 engine, turns out to be a 1961 MEL engine. From what I read this engine is not a normal engine, looks like I might have to start all over with my education. Oh well. Your videos are great. I see your UTI shirt. I went there in 1985 but took the air conditioning course. Thanks for the videos.

[@kevinw6282]

Cam school! Love it. I know this is from a few months ago, but timeless videos. Wish you were closer, have a Pontiac 350 that I'd love for you to work on similar to the one you did in your video series. Loads of great info on your channel, really appreciate the effort that goes into it and the education.

[@richdouche8253]

Around 30:00 you start talking about LSA... I agree with David Vizard's experience that LSA is more critical than lift and duration. That one should select an LSA first, then the overlap, and THEN the duration and lift be what they are to acquire the first two parameters. My understanding is that LSA is so critical because the whole objective of building a performance engine is getting maximum cylinder filling based on the parts you're going to use. The LSA accounts for using the exhaust pulse/flow/vacuum in conjunction with the head's intake flow characteristics to maximize this cylinder filling. Then select your overlap to get the idle vacuum needed, and where you want your peak power output in the rpm range. Naturally as engine speed increases, air and fuel do not increase their speed at the same 1:1 rate, so the engine would need more overlap to get good cylinder filling at higher engine speeds. That selecting a cam's specs this way will result in a given performance engine that makes more power (tq &hp) EVERYWHERE in the engine operating range (ex: "2000-6000 rpm") than selecting a cam without the optimal LSA, while instead focusing on duration and lift... As it does seem most people suggest how it should be done. Even the cam companies. Makes perfect sense to me.... Great video... Thank you!

[@traderjoe107]

Tons of knowledge packed into 47:18 minutes.....Thank you very much!

[@jeremyjames83]

What a great video.!!! A great expansion of the last video, which was also a great video. Thanks for the knowledge, and the willingness to share it.

[@robertclymer6948]

Yep, always have known you need to match the cam with the heads. Makes perfect sense. Probably why the top end kits are available, including the intake and timing chains. Good video. Thanks for sharing!

[@danielcrmstr1148]

Damn...I feel like I was just given the keys to the kingdom! This will help greatly. Thanks!

[@bradnimbus4836]

Hey buddy! Just in time! I have both a 302 and a 351 that I'll be working on here right away. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@19jody72]

I'm finishing up my 302

[@mickcnd2657]

This is the best informational video I've seen on this subject. K.I.S.S. It is easy to understand and way better than that friend of a friend who just happens to be an expert. We know how that ends. Thanks again and let's keep the Legacy alive.

[@1Rad65Futura]

thank you for setting the record straight!

[@robsimms2766]

Learned a lot about how to select cam shafts. Like the formulas

[@Uppercut314]

Appreciate your videos, for REAL!! They answer so many questions! Thanks for your knowledge! 👍

[@darrylthornton5377]

Great explanation of camshaft characteristics!

[@chrisbergeron860]

Wow. Really enjoyed this video. Lots of info to consider. So you basically need to design your motor on paper before you decide to build.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Yes, exactly

[@mikehunt7483]

Holy snickies I learned A LOT with this video.. Thanks a bunch!!

[@pyrochuck4856]

Fantastic video and information. When you went to calculating all of that spring pressure on the cam I think the only way you would hit that scary number would be with all springs being compressed at once. Not saying that it isn't a significant factor here it just caught me a bit askew while watching the video is all. Thanks again for ALL of your great videos sir.

[@skippersdad7860]

Great job on this video. I'm getting ready to build a Ford truck motor & would have made big mistakes if I had not run across this video.

[@ChasCrewChief]

I am coming late to this great video. Talking with a builder. He totally agrees but chooses a higher lift so the max lift the max flow are the cam passes through twice. On the way up and way down. Not just lifting to that point. Thoughts?

[@doglegjake6788]

this dude is bad ass ... rumor has it he has a grizzly bear carpet in his living room but the problem is its not dead it just lays there because its afraid to move ..

[@Brian-pi1yf]

Good information. My question is: If I need to get a dual profile cam because I only have 70% flow rate how do I know how much to increase the duration of the exhaust lobe to increase the flow? I have a set of 461 fuelies you probably know off the top of your head exactly what cam works best in these heads..I'll probably do some porting on the exhaust

[@christophercullen1236]

Brian did you get a answer to this question , I was about to ask the same question ? Christopher from Down Under

[@Brian-pi1yf]

@@christophercullen1236 No reply

[@graeme500]

Such a helpful video. And so logically explained. Thanks!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DXB9993]

416 NA LS ported L94 head 6l80 What size of camshaft will work on it on daily driver?

[@vonheimlerstrudel]

I love this channel. I learn a lot. Thank you.

[@pompeiimotorsports3722]

Great info, I am all about the science behind engine building

[@yogithebear7493]

My like third time back to this awesome video thank you for educating the common man

[@mechRuud]

Great video, At one time I felt I needed to raise my hand to go to the bath room.

[@privatedata665]

Great video & LS guys using stock heads can do almost all of this because flow numbers for head castings are readily available

[@jeffrey4547]

gm does build a street strip trans but i do agree that u build for racing or u build for the street . if u ever find a 400 turbo with 02xx welded on the bell housing u have a very good trans stock good to 800 hp i have 4 sitting right now have a another set up to go get 450 hp 454 with the 02xx trans for free running good . i put one in my 68 chevy pu and the engine is perfect for a street set up good sound to the cam runs hard put a 850 with a street weiland high rise and it came alive the trans is very good and solid shift has the 8 bolt pump heavy clutches stage 1 shift kit saves me a lot of money on builds plus u just can't beat the looks of a big block in a rig in my 68 chevy pu it fills the engine compartment all most to big the main fan has a 1/2 inch from pullies and about 1 inch from the radiator then put 2 pusher fans on front that comes with the engines set the wiring up for a serpentine belt alt. and can go back quick to internal or external alt

[@timshannon6363]

Great video, I learned more from this video than I have in 30 years

[@robertpilcher3702]

WOW That is all great information and you did a fantastic job teaching this subject! Thank you!!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidbelcher5554]

great info as always. could you talk about the difference between tri-y headers and 4 into 1. and whats best for what application.

[@rivzilla7142]

Thank you for making your vids, Super informative and direct 👍

[@TxStang]

So good aftermarket heads for my 5.0L H.O. to replace the crappy e7 heads . Thanks for the insight , I'll choose heads before buying the Cam .

[@sonyhk3824]

This is a treasure video. I appreciate your work it's awesome you are a wonderful teacher man, big thumbs-up 👍. Cheers 🍻

[@jblovell9065]

Good information video if you don't go with expensive top end kits allowing you ability to design your own engine kit with your preferences

[@Thumper68]

Either this is same video you re posted or I’m having perfect deja vu or the Mandela effect is real!

[@LSxHunter]

Totally a repost but worth watching again. Thought I was losing my mind

[@Thumper68]

@@LSxHunter yeah I watched it all again too. Either way he deserves the views he makes good content that can really teach people who are uninformed.

[@kosworkshop]

Love the video. Perfect for those of us who are new.

[@michael931]

I don't remember part 2 before though...

[@Thumper68]

@@michael931 part 2 was never seen before bonus scene. Directors cut

[@oldschool-ef4jz]

Great information and it's this kind of information I could have found 35 years ago and I would not have a engine that I'm finally going to ger right

[@donveterano3944]

Thank you so much for all your videos! You helped me a lot to get deeper into all that "science" (beside some literatur). Currently building my second FE and thinking about to do a higher rpm setup. Best Regards from Germany- stay healthy!

[@nv1493]

Using this for the cam selection for my 454... Great info.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Have fun!

[@w41duvernay]

THIS VIDEO that you have done, Myron, has to be your greatest. YOU have even shown us how to figure out how much power we can expect from an engine size by its head flow. WAY to put that knowledge down. NOW if you could show us how to predict how fast in a quarter of mile time to expect a car will be, and how to properly gear it so it would run the traps at peak pwr. I look forward for the vid of the Pontiac stroker.

[@PTucker0864]

On my Ford 306, I chose a single pattern cam with a bit of overlap because I opened up the exhaust bowl and port roof a tad while smoothing it's transition to the exit. Granted these were stock heads with slightly bigger valves, I thought some overlap would help build some cylinder pressure to compensate for the low compression heads.....it has a lopey idle, but it revs right up toward 6000 pretty quick. It works okay with a manual transmission.

[@westonlee9778]

Where is your shop located and what is your backlog of engine builds? How could I contact you privately? Thank you sir

[@jasonmcintyre6458]

I recently purchased a 2003 6sp manual c5. It came with Vortex long tube headers and cold air ? (I live in Florida🤔) induction. Finances are limited so I am doing a cam kit only. You recommended for ls applications .600 lift, 226/234 duration and lsa 113. Is this what I need for a basically stock motor.

[@mechanicsteve2320]

Great informative video my friend! Would you consider making a video of the gains to be had by just switching out rocker arms and valve springs without even changing out your factory cam? Alot of people seem to overlook the difference a good set of rocker arms make. Thanks again for all the knowledge you share!

[@jeremycottrell1382]

Thank you so much for this information! I know understand way more about camshafts and cylinder heads than an hour ago! I love the calculation to determine how much lift an engine wants or needs. Is there a similar way to calculate how much duration an engine needs for a particular RPM range?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

The Cam Manufacturer will list the RPM power range of each cam your duration will determine the RPM where the cam makes peak power You just need to figure out your Engines red line and match the duration accordingly

[@jeremycottrell1382]

@@Myvintageiron7512 Great. Thank you for the quick response!

[@jaimeaugustain861]

Loved your tutorial. I was very enlightened by the horsepower formula. I'm building a Ford 302 .030 flat top pistons with valve reliefs and stock gt40p heads. My percentage is about 74. A/T 2000 stall. FiT system. 3.50 gears. What's your cam recommendation. Thanks

[@Myvintageiron7512]

.500 lift 226/232 Duration at .050 / 108 lobe sep

[@pumpkin12030]

I have Edelbrock Victor Jr heads 77619 and I can't find the CFM. They discontinued them and I have a new set. I'm using a comp cams custom 590 lift 232 duration with a 110 separation that's going on a 350 sbc. Retro comp cams lifters. And I want to know how much horsepower

[@donaldhill2775]

Building a Ford small block for the 1st time flat tappet & solid lifters, wanted to ask about the break-in proceedings which seem a little excessive, special oil, special weak break in valve springs, start up and immediately run it at 2500 for 1/2 an hour, starting to make me nervous ! Pretty sure they didn’t do this with new engine’s back at the factory in 1960 whatever, was planning a more gentle approach to this, put some oil in and fast tick over while it warms up for 15 minutes and check everything out, all advice welcome 🙏

[@alexandrekachler8678]

Great video but not that much different from the original one. Wahr about compression ratio for the cam selection ?

[@MrDogTales]

Hey great learnin vids, can you tell me what a sb chev 69’ ls9 is? Cant find anything on this motor!

[@66fairlane500]

don't remember if it was this video of the two it was but you mentioned the FPM of flow around 4000. how do you get this calculation? Is there a tester I can get to show FPM? I tried looking this up and I can't find anything about it.

[@TheLostBrain]

Thank you putting this together! The formulas for estimating max potential hp of the heads is great. Do you know of something similar for calculating max potential HP of the bottom end as well? For Example lets say you calc that your heads can support up to 600 hp. However, if the displacement, compression, etc. in the bottom end is not there you wouldn't actually be able to make that 600 hp, right? Thanks again

[@henrythomas3834]

I know tbi 350 engines suck but what would be a good cam for maximum torque on it if build the stock engine?

[@rodshuffy4045]

I really like your detailed videos, keep it up. The coil spring vs compressed height vs pounds of force required seems technically correct but not all springs are compressed at once and once compressed they have potential energy they release when rocker arm fulcrum goes back up. Basically, assisting the next coil springs downward action. Its basically a zero-sum game with the springs with the exception of friction. Thats kind of the purpose of a spring.... storing energy. I think the initial force required to compress the 1st spring is input electrically via the starter. Am I missing something?

[@100amps]

Great video. Made perfect sense. I’m guessing the high-end aftermarket head companies publish their flow numbers then, right?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

yes

[@jamesperry1944]

This video is amazing. Thank you for taking the time to do it.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad it was helpful!

[@armandolopezdj2855]

WHAT ARE THE FLOW NUMBERS FOR TBI HEADS ? PLEASE THANKS LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@bagman216]

Bro no homo, I love you, I would love to get trained by you. Right now I'm looking for a GM school, I want to be a engine builder. If I would of knew this I would of went to school for this for sure. Thank you man

[@unclesquirrel6951]

What brand Micrometer do you use

[@manitoublack]

Something old and Japanese ;)

[@jamesleeson6680]

Dude, thank you. That was the best education online yet. Early 90s I only guessed at parts.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad I could help!

[@williamcharles9480]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge through these videos. Do you give much validity to the statement that cast iron heads will produce a slightly higher compression ratio through the fact of their ability to retain heat over aluminum heads? It's a given that the aluminum heads may be preferred because of the lighter weight factor that may negate any power increase derived through an iron head's heat retention factor, but can you give an approximate range of compression ratio increase for an iron head over aluminum with the same combustion chamber volume? Thanks for all that you're doing to further the hobby, looking forward to viewing all of your videos as there's so much to learn from them.

[@Mike-up]

Hi, I flow benched my motorcycle 3 cylinder head, can you tell me what hp gains will I have, I don't think I am doing it right. Before:inlet 160cfm - exhaust 115cfm After flow bench:inlet 166cfm - ex130cfm The bike revs 14000 and it's 750cc

[@randalchandler2366]

Good videos. I've watched both parts and now I know I have the wrong cam in my sbc 400. Its .30 over with flat tops. I felt a 400 needed compression and good heads so I used OEM Vortecs since they are better than the Camel humps. I used a .450 lift because of an equation I found years ago and because I didn't do modifications to use more lift. However it is a single pattern cam with 104 lobe seperation. I'm taking the cam out as soon as I figure out the correct duration dual pattern cam.

[@davecorreira3886]

Any chance you have a formula in your bag of tricks for determining throttle body size?

[@alyssaway94]

Love the videos . you talked about stroke and rod length. In your experience have you ever took a 302 ford and swapped the pistons and rods to opposite positions to increese the stroke ?? Does that really work?

[@alyssaway94]

I know you like Uncle Tony's Garage check out his Old School Power Secrets Explained Video .....

[@scottyjue3125]

Thank You for the Informative Video. I Learned A Lot Matching a Camshaft with Cylinder Heads. I'm Currently Building a Chevy 383 For My Son's 1973 Z28. The Edelbrock 60899 Heads Intake Flow 250 cfm, with Exhaust Flowing 158 cfm at .500. This Works Out to 63%. Single Profile Cams are Out With This Number!! What is the Equation to Figure Out, and to Choose a Dual Profile Cam, to Increase and Maximize My Percentage? Thank You In Advance, Scotty

[@Myvintageiron7512]

There really is no formula for that I would stick with a cam that has a duration with an RPM range that tops out around 6K no more than that and around .500 to .520 lift

[@scottyjue3125]

Thank You Sir, I Appreciate the Reply. I Will Shop for That Particular Profile Camshaft. As a Video Fan Now, I Will Review Your Other Informative Videos. Thanks Again!!

[@zipwilliams555]

When Factoring Piston speed :{Stroke} = X { Multiplyed by} {RPM = Y}. Divide by 6 = Piston Speed correct? My Question is, Is Y the max or average RPM? and why its the #6} ?

[@rootsid]

The flow numbers shown on the white board! Are these per cylinder or per head?

[@jesseduke694]

Ok, I've seen this before but seeing it again brought up some questions I have. Ive ported one set of heads in my life. They were smog heads to a 460. D3VE-A2A heads. My numbers didn't show what yours do. Mine were flow tested all the way up to .700 lift. The intake side continued to show improvment all the way to .700. Witch was 305 cfm at .700. The exhoust side became turbulent at alil above. 400 lift but still gained numbers to .700 lift witch was 165 at .700. But the gains were like 1 or 2 cfm for every .100 of lift until .700. I didnt see it reverse in numbers like yours did. I would imagine since mine is a smog head its not a very good head but why didn't mine reverse??

[@Gary-um1oj]

How do you correct camshaft endplay I'm lucky if I get 4000 miles out of a distributor gear???

[@toadamine]

Curious if you have any similar insight on how to select intake runner volume and valve size... Love your videos, very educational, subscribed.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Great suggestion! I'll work on that

[@bradeblin7663]

Awesome video! Would love to hear your thoughts on piston speed v.s. ring package

[@Tomvans8028]

This video is very informative I appreciate your videos

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad you like them!

[@lilbill4779]

Are you also figuring rocker arm ratio into these equations ?

[@davidhimeback9087]

Do you have any infor on 545 73 corvette heads. I'm looking to use them on a 383 chevy with flat top pistons??

[@bartsarton2212]

So if total horsepower is dependent on % of flow, why not make the exhaust port and valve the same size as the intake port and valve to get 100% of flow?

[@dnice9626]

Man excellent video! I've tried to understand much of this in the past but this really clears confusion! Do you take in work from the locals? I's like increase the flow on my 396 heads. Quick question, is it really expensive to take heads from roughly 68% of flow to 80% or better and is it worth it? I used your excellent tutorial to get an estimate based on my configuration and would like to target a little more HP. Thanks for the the great information.

[@dougbunyard2724]

Not sure if you're still looking at the comments but here goes.. really awsome presentation! I've watched this several times and will probably continue to do so. My question is on flow percentage. Ls3 head. 823. So the stock cfm numbers aren't bad. Like 312/216 @.600. These numbers are still below 75 percent flow. With the dual profile cam I'm assuming that will increase the flow percentage? To calculate With a dual profile I also assume I would use the lift numbers on int/ex respectively? Also Is there any advantage to porting just the exhaust? To increase the flow percentage? I. I'm building a ly6 block bored to 6.2( saw your video with much interest) lol. Going in a jk jeep. Daily driver-ish and want a solid 400 hp at the wheel. Just cuz! Lol. Also I'm going to run the vvt. If you see this and feel like responding I'd appreciate it. Really liking your channel. Doug

[@mikehunt7483]

Is this only for N/A or is it applicable to boost? How does it differ from turbo or supercharger, if any?

[@teddysmith457]

You are a great teacher thank you

[@wvlfkvnt]

You taught me how to degree a cam back in school. Good times.

[@moparnut6286]

Great video...and very logical in your methodolgy I enjoyed this video very much and learn something at the same time... thank you for posting it.

[@NateHarrisCreations]

Do you happen to know what the flow numbers are on stock 5.3l 862 heads?

[@mikkokuorttinen3113]

Camshaft suggestions on a LT-1 with stock heads, dualplane intake +750, muncie 4-speed and 2,56 rear for street use?

[@JM-hv3ev]

Too many ads but brilliantly informative! 👍