Why a Custom Cam

I read a lot of posts and something I see quite often is "get a custom cam" does this apply to most situations or just the higher end motors? Do they work with the factory computer better, or what is the main advantages besides having some one with expertise pick your cam.

Just trying to learn, I am staying quite mild with this engine (thinking stock cam with 1.7s) so again just trying to learn.

Joe

A couple of the basic advantages are the camshaft is usually made from a much stronger material(billet) to avoid flex and doesn't have any variations between the lobes like a lot of off the shelf units......I feel they are more of an advantage when trying to tie together alot of aftermarket parts or to try to achieve a specific goal whether its power or driveability or a little of both...Of course it is also nice to know you have the correct cam specs for your exact combination no matter how mild or wild..

Most everyone thinks of a custom cam as wanting to ring every last pony out of the motor but almost everyone forgets the one big advantage they can give you as well, that is overall driveability.

and the cam will be for your specific car and style of driving

I'll be putting a 545 stroker together fairly soon as the next motor for "The Yellow Monster".

It will have a custom cam and the focus of that cam will be to get the optimum Dynamic Compressioin Ratio while still maintaining the ability to pass emmissions testing.

Wont most of the Cam companies help you pick a cam according to desires, parts and the weight and purpose of the car?

I see above it was stated built from billet rather than what, what does say Crane cams start with?

What does duall pattern do for you?

Thanks again

Joe

A dual patterm cam usually favors the exhaust side--which is a bit problematic with stock Ford heads and ex. system. John--Las Vegas.

Actually the dual pattern cam is exactly what a weak exhaust needs. It allows the exhaust valve to open slightly before it would otherwise and stay open longer to help make up for the small valve and port. The cam can compensate for the small ports and valves if it is designed properly. They can be a bit harder to dial in but they are worth it.

Originally Posted by MonsterMach

It will have a custom cam and the focus of that cam will be to get the optimum Dynamic Compressioin Ratio while still maintaining the ability to pass emmissions testing.

Dynamic compression ratio, especially as derived by many of the on-line calculators, is an almost useless spec. They take into account only when the intake valve closes, not when it opens and starts admitting mixture or how efficient the intake side of the engine is. The volume of compressed mixture determines how much pressure will build in a cylinder after the intake valve closes. What you need to know is dynamic cylinder pressure of the running engine. And it changes according to rpm, less time for cylinder filling at higher rpms.

Sorry if I stated that in overly simplified terms.

Any thoughts regarding compression relate directly to cylinder pressure and the management of it.

Simply saying the "customized" management of cam specs can be used to fine tune and optimize performance for a specificly designed motor.