Ok, Explain Cams To Me Please

Old 06-15-2013, 05:12 PM
  #1  
kend
Junior Member
JOURNEYMAN
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 1969
Posts: 28
Default Ok, Explain Cams To Me Please

Just the Readers Digest version, not a long dissertation. I know the physical differences between hydraulic, solid, mushroom and the different roller types, what I'd like to know is why one is preferable over the other. Is it basically just the rpm limits?
kend is offline  
Old 06-16-2013, 06:40 AM
  #2  
DRTRCR22
Senior Member
EXPERT BUILDER
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 267
Default

Well Kend, in simplest terms, the camshaft is the 'brain' that tells the engine intake and exhaust flow what to do and when.
It delegates how and when each valve opens and closes, and is a 'science' everyone is looking for to find the optimum efficiency for their component package throughout the entire rpm range.
Your choice of camshaft should be the most logical design and efficiency for the intended application... do you need low end pulling torque, do you need top end racing speed, do you need a wide range of rpm efficiency across the board, or do you need to putter to the grocery store drivability...? One who finds that 'secret edge' for his/her application will have an advantage over all the others... Jim
DRTRCR22 is offline  
Old 06-16-2013, 07:30 AM
  #3  
TheYellaBrick
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
 
TheYellaBrick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Emmett, Idaho
Posts: 7,334
Default

Flat tappets are limited in the steepness of the 'ramp'. ( how RAPIDLY the valve will begin the opening process). Rollers can use an almost vertical ramp simple because of the design. Example is off road 4X4's going up an almost vertical rock because the tires/rollers are rotating instead of sliding. Rollers have a very small contact 'patch' as opposed to flats which have to have a larger and offset contact to promote rotation of the lifter for lubrication/even wear action.
TheYellaBrick is offline  
Old 06-16-2013, 05:44 PM
  #4  
kend
Junior Member
JOURNEYMAN
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 1969
Posts: 28
Default

Thanks guys but what I'm looking for is.... why would you use a solid instead of a hydraulic? What does a solid do that you can't do with a hydraulic? Why are the factories now using hydraulic rollers, just for the decreased friction? I know the difference in construction and what a roller lifter can do as compared to a flat lifter, just looking for some "why" answers. Thanks
kend is offline  
Old 06-17-2013, 05:18 AM
  #5  
roadkill2
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 628
Default

Lessee if we can keep this simple.

The difference between the Hydraulic lifter and a "Solid" lifter (or camshaft follower) is that the Hydraulic Lifter maintains it's own adjustment through rpm and usage wear. The Solid lifter tends to require maintenance and adjustment, often, frequently when used in racing applications . .

The advent of the Hydraulic Roller Lifter (or follower) was a normal but late progression of engine technology applied to the mass produced engines for greater efficiency and lower parasitic horsepower loss and, of course, less wear.

The problem that apparently kept the Roller lifters out of mass produced engines centered around getting the oil to the lifter because of the difference and location of the hydraulic component in the lifter body, along with the additional cost of more moving parts.

When the Engineers were given the newer casting and machining technologies that enabled them to overcome the oiling problems and the assembly problems that the new lifter created, "Voila!", Roller Cams for the grocery getter.

However . . Most of the Blown Nitro Engines and the GM Gen IV NASCAR engines all use Flat Tappet (Solid) lifters because of the less reciprocating weight in the valve train. The thought, at least in NASCAR, is to keep the valve train components as light as possible, the cam lobes as small as possible and to use the extended rocker arm ratios (1:8-1:9) to multiply the lift to compensate for the small size of the cam lobe . . Very low valve seat and opening pressures enable all of this . . It makes a large reduction in reciprocating mass, which we all know is one of the major "Engine Killers" . .

But this is predicated by use of the engine and types of induction. What works in one case, won't in another . .
roadkill2 is offline  
Old 06-17-2013, 09:16 AM
  #6  
curtisreed
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
 
curtisreed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: KIEFER, OK.
Posts: 1,312
Default

Originally Posted by kend
Thanks guys but what I'm looking for is.... why would you use a solid instead of a hydraulic? What does a solid do that you can't do with a hydraulic? Why are the factories now using hydraulic rollers, just for the decreased friction? I know the difference in construction and what a roller lifter can do as compared to a flat lifter, just looking for some "why" answers. Thanks
Most of the time to keep increasing hp with the same cubic inch you have to turn more rpm. You will hit a point that the spring will not keep the lifter in contact with the cam, so you have to increase spring pressure. You will then hit a point that the hydraulic lifter can not keep oil in it because of the spring pressure, it will beat itself or other valve train parts to death. The next step in the evolution was to go to a solid lifter at that point. Hope that answers your question.

Curtis
curtisreed is offline  
Old 06-17-2013, 07:55 PM
  #7  
kend
Junior Member
JOURNEYMAN
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 1969
Posts: 28
Default

Perfect, thanks!
kend is offline  
Old 06-18-2013, 01:53 PM
  #8  
bjuice
Administrator
RACING JUNKIE
 
bjuice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Greenville s.c.
Posts: 3,236
Default

These guys did a good job of explaining the science of it.

Also just to add I do not know if a Hydraulic Roller would act the same as regular hydraulic cam and lifter set up in that its very forgiving if you stay in the gas and twist one tight it will float the valves before turning on up breakiing something. Not so forgiving with a solid flat tappet. I still run a solid flat tappet in a small block 406ci in a 69 camaro. Small but very responsive and effective all the way around .
__________________
Bjuice..

"I'M YOUR HUCKLEBERRY ! "
bjuice is offline  
Old 06-18-2013, 07:07 PM
  #9  
bixblk
Senior Member
DYNO OPERATOR
 
bixblk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Chicagoland area
Posts: 472
Default cams, we could all use some help now and then

These guys are sharp !!!! Getting the right combo for application is key . Some of us think were close but always learning $$$$$$$ ,... ;)
Good luck.... alot of the fun is the journey, but it sure is fun when you get there.
bixblk is offline  
Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Do Not Sell My Personal Information -