Katerina Swanson
Camming a car involves replacing the stock camshaft with one that has different lobe profiles, which changes when and for how long the valves open and close. This can significantly increase power and torque in specific rpm ranges, but it often comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. The impact on fuel efficiency depends on various factors, including the camshaft design, driving habits, vehicle type, and proper tuning. While some camshafts are designed to increase efficiency by optimizing valve timing and improving air intake, others may prioritize high-RPM efficiency and throttle response, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Ultimately, the choice of camshaft should be based on the driver's needs, vehicle specifications, and budget to achieve the desired balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camming a car | Replacing the stock camshaft(s) with one that has different lobe profiles |
| Purpose | To increase the engine's power and torque |
| Effect on fuel efficiency | It depends on the camshaft design and driving habits. |
| Fuel efficiency improvement methods | Improving air intake efficiency and optimising valve timing |
| Fuel economy improvement | 10-15% according to Matthew Wright from Your Mechanic |
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What You'll Learn
Camming a car can increase fuel efficiency
By improving air intake efficiency and optimizing valve timing through camming, fuel consumption can be positively impacted. This is because camming results in more complete combustion, allowing for optimal use of available fuel. The improved breathing capability of a revised camshaft means the engine doesn't need to work as hard for the same output, reducing lag from pedal to acceleration.
Additionally, camming can enhance throttle response, making it easier to get up to speed quickly and shift gears smoothly. According to Matthew Wright from Your Mechanic, when cam upgrades are combined with other modifications such as improved exhaust systems, upgraded air intakes, and retuned ECUs, overall fuel economy can increase by 10-15%.
The camshaft's design can be tailored to the driver's needs, taking into account factors such as engine size, fuel type, compression ratio, and cylinder head flow. A camshaft can be designed to increase efficiency, making better use of the existing amount of air and fuel. This results in less work, and therefore, less fuel is needed for the same performance.
While some sources suggest that camming can hurt gas mileage, particularly at lower RPMs and when idling, the impact on fuel efficiency depends on various factors, including the specific camshaft design, driving habits, and engine specifications.
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Camshafts can be designed to increase efficiency
The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves in an engine, which let air and fuel into the combustion chamber and allow exhaust gases to escape after combustion. The shape and size of the lobe determine how long and far the valve opens and closes, and the amount of time it stays open. Therefore, by changing the camshaft design, you can alter the engine's powerband, torque, horsepower, and overall efficiency.
For example, a camshaft can be designed to increase efficiency by making better use of the existing amount of air and fuel, increasing efficiency, and making less work. This means less fuel is needed for the same performance, or you can use the same amount of fuel and gain performance. Additionally, camshafts can be designed to improve air intake efficiency and optimise valve timing, which will positively impact fuel consumption. This results in more complete combustion, allowing for the optimal use of available fuel.
It is important to note that while camshafts can be designed to increase efficiency, some camshafts may decrease efficiency and increase fuel consumption. This is because some camshafts are designed to make power by increasing the amount of air and fuel entering the engine, which can lead to increased fuel consumption. Ultimately, the impact of a camshaft on fuel efficiency will depend on the specific design and how it is tuned to the engine.
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More power typically equals more fuel
Camming a car involves replacing the stock camshaft with one that has a different lobe profile. This changes the timing of the intake and exhaust valves, which can give more power and torque in specific rpm ranges. However, this increase in power typically comes at the cost of fuel efficiency.
The relationship between power and fuel consumption is a simple one: more power typically equals more fuel. This is because it takes a certain amount of fuel to perform a certain amount of work. So, if you change the amount of work (by increasing power), you also change the amount of fuel required.
Camshafts can be designed to increase power in two ways. The first is by allowing more air into the engine, which also allows for more fuel to be added, resulting in more power but also more fuel consumption. The second way is by increasing efficiency, making better use of the existing amount of air and fuel. This approach increases efficiency, so less work is required for the same performance, and less fuel is needed.
The impact of camming a car on fuel efficiency will depend on the type of camshaft installed, as well as driving habits. For example, a camshaft that increases power in a higher RPM range may not affect fuel efficiency as much if the car is usually driven at lower RPMs. Proper tuning after installing a new camshaft is also important to minimise any negative impact on fuel economy.
Some car enthusiasts suggest that, in certain circumstances, camming a car can actually improve fuel efficiency. This is achieved by improving air intake efficiency and optimising valve timing, resulting in more complete combustion and optimal use of available fuel. However, this is likely dependent on a variety of factors, including driving style, vehicle type, and other modifications made to the car.
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Camming a car may not affect highway mileage
Camming a car involves replacing the stock camshaft with one that has different lobe profiles, thereby changing when and for how long the valves open and close. This can give you more power and torque in specific rpm ranges but may come at the cost of fuel efficiency.
However, camming a car may not affect highway mileage if the camshaft is properly tuned after installation. For example, a user on CorvetteForum.com reported that they were still achieving 27-29 mpg on trips to Denver and COS, driving at 82-85 mph. They attributed their good fuel economy to proper tuning, stating that their car was "far from stock" and had a medium/large cam, big-valve high-compression heads, 3.73 gears, and a Fast 90/90 set-up.
Another user on the same forum reported that they had achieved their best-ever MPG of 30.2 after making several mods, including a mildly aggressive cam. Their car achieved 30.2 MPG when cruising at 75-80 mph, which is higher than the 32.4 MPG they achieved when their car was stock.
The impact of camming on fuel efficiency depends on several factors, including the type of camshaft, driving habits, engine design, and vehicle type. For example, aftermarket performance camshafts typically shift the power band to a higher RPM, which can cause low-end efficiency to suffer. Therefore, if most of a person's driving is done at high speeds on the interstate, camming may not significantly affect their fuel efficiency.
Additionally, choosing a camshaft that suits one's driving style and vehicle usage can improve performance without sacrificing drivability. Upgrading the camshaft, along with other modifications such as improved exhaust systems, upgraded air intakes, and retuned ECUs, can increase overall fuel economy by 10-15% according to Matthew Wright from Your Mechanic. This is because camming an engine results in more complete combustion, allowing for the optimal use of available fuel.
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Camming a car can decrease fuel efficiency
Camming a car involves replacing the stock camshaft with one that has different lobe profiles, which changes when and for how long the valves open and close. This can significantly increase power and torque in specific rpm ranges, but it is often at the cost of fuel efficiency.
The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves in an engine, which let air and fuel into the combustion chamber and allow exhaust gases to escape after combustion. The camshaft has one or more lobes that push against lifters or followers, which then move rocker arms to operate the valves. The shape and size of the lobe determine how long and far the valve opens and closes and the amount of time it stays open. Therefore, by changing the camshaft design, you can alter the engine’s powerband, torque, horsepower, and overall efficiency.
Aftermarket performance camshafts typically shift the powerband to a higher RPM, and as a result, some low-end efficiency is lost. This means that in most cases, a "big" cam will hurt efficiency in normal driving. However, if you are driving at very high speeds, such as 90 mph on the interstate, the loss in efficiency may not matter as much.
Additionally, cams with more overlap and increased duration can lower overall efficiency at lower RPMs, which means worse fuel mileage when idling and at light throttle compared to stock cams. This is because more overlap results in more unburnt fuel being expelled out of the tailpipe. However, it is important to note that the effect of cams on fuel mileage is complex and depends on various factors such as the tune, driving habits, vehicle shape and weight, weather, and fuel quality.
While camming a car can sometimes decrease fuel efficiency, there are cases where it can also improve it. For example, choosing a camshaft that suits your driving style and vehicle usage can lead to improvements in performance without sacrificing drivability. Additionally, cam upgrades combined with other modifications such as improved exhaust systems, upgraded air intakes, and retuned ECUs can increase overall fuel economy by 10-15%. This is because camming an engine can result in more complete combustion, allowing for optimal use of available fuel. Furthermore, some camshafts are designed to increase efficiency by making better use of the existing amount of air and fuel, which can lead to less fuel being needed for the same performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Camming a car is when you replace the stock camshaft(s) with one that has different lobe profiles, changing when and for how long your valves open and close.
Camming a car can make it less fuel-efficient, especially if not properly tuned. However, if the camshaft allows your engine to operate more efficiently, you will use less fuel even if power is added.
The shape and size of the lobe on the camshaft, the tune, driving habits, and the shape/weight of the vehicle are some factors that influence fuel efficiency.
Choosing the right camshaft depends on the driver's needs, including their driving habits, the type of car they have, and their budget.
Combining cam upgrades with other modifications such as improved exhaust systems, upgraded air intakes, and retuned ECUs can increase overall fuel economy.
