As a senior car enthusiast, I know the importance of camming a truck in boosting its performance. Many truck owners are not aware of what camming a truck means and how it can improve their vehicle's horsepower and torque.
What is Camming a Truck?
Camming a truck involves replacing the stock camshaft with a performance camshaft that has a higher lift and longer duration. The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves, which determines how much air and fuel enters the combustion chamber. A performance camshaft allows more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in more power and torque.
Why Cam a Truck?
The main reason to cam a truck is to increase its horsepower and torque. A performance camshaft can add up to 50 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque, depending on the engine's size and other modifications. Camming a truck also improves throttle response, acceleration, and overall engine performance.
How to Cam a Truck?
Camming a truck is not a simple task and requires some mechanical knowledge. The process involves removing the old camshaft, installing the new camshaft, and adjusting the valve timing. It is recommended to hire a professional mechanic to cam your truck if you are not familiar with the process.
Types of Camshafts
There are two main types of camshafts: hydraulic and solid. Hydraulic camshafts use hydraulic lifters, which provide a smoother operation and require less maintenance. Solid camshafts use solid lifters, which are more durable and better suited for high-performance engines. Choosing the right camshaft depends on your truck's engine and the type of driving you do.
Other Modifications
Camming a truck is not the only modification you can make to increase its performance. Other modifications that work well with camshafts include headers, exhaust systems, and intakes. These modifications improve the engine's airflow, which complements the increased airflow from the camshaft.
Considerations
Camming a truck has some drawbacks that you should consider before making the modification. A performance camshaft can reduce low-end power and torque, which can make the truck harder to drive in everyday situations. Camming a truck also increases engine noise and vibration, which may not be desirable for some drivers.
Conclusion
Camming a truck is a great way to increase its horsepower and torque, but it also has some drawbacks that you should consider. If you decide to cam your truck, make sure to choose the right camshaft for your engine and driving style. And remember, it's always best to hire a professional mechanic to cam your truck if you're not familiar with the process.