When it comes to building serious power, few upgrades make a bigger impact than the right camshaft upgrade. The camshaft controls the timing and duration of your engine’s valve movements—and upgrading it can drastically change how your engine breathes, revs, and performs.
At WOT Performance Parts, we know that camshaft selection isn’t just about chasing peak horsepower—it’s about choosing the right profile to match your goals. Here’s what you need to know about camshaft upgrades for maximum performance gains. Contact us today for more information.
What Does A Camshaft Do?
The camshaft is responsible for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves in time with the engine's pistons. Its profile determines:
- When valves open and close (timing)
- How far valves open (lift)
- How long do valves stay open (duration)
By adjusting these factors, you can optimize the way air and fuel enter the engine and how exhaust gases exit, directly influencing horsepower, torque, and RPM range.
In short, the camshaft is like the conductor of your engine’s performance orchestra.
Key Terms You Need To Know
Before we dive into choosing a cam, here’s a quick glossary:
- Lift: How far the valve opens. More lift = more airflow.
- Duration: The time the valve remains open, measured in crankshaft degrees.
- Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): The distance between the peak lift of the intake and exhaust lobes, affecting overlap and idle characteristics.
- Overlap: When both intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time, improving high-RPM breathing.
How Camshaft Upgrades Boost Performance
1. Increased Airflow = More Power
A more aggressive cam profile opens the valves higher and longer, allowing more air and fuel into the combustion chamber. More air + more fuel = bigger explosions = more horsepower.
2. Shift The Powerband
Different cam profiles can move the engine’s powerband:
- Short duration cams: More low-end torque and better drivability.
- Long duration cams: More high-end horsepower and aggressive top-end pull.
Choosing the right cam moves the sweet spot of your engine where you want it.
3. Higher RPM Potential
Aggressive cams allow the engine to breathe efficiently at higher RPMs, making them perfect for race or high-performance street applications.
Types Of Camshaft Upgrades
🔧 Mild Street Cams
- Slightly more lift and duration over stock
- Improved throttle response and midrange power
- Maintains near-stock idle and drivability
- Ideal for daily drivers wanting extra pep
🔧 Performance Street/Strip Cams
- Significant increase in lift and duration
- Noticeable loopy idle
- Shifts the powerband higher
- May require minor upgrades (valve springs, tune)
🔧 Full Race Cams
- Aggressive duration and lift
- Huge top-end horsepower gains
- Poor low-RPM performance and rough idle
- Requires extensive supporting mods (valvetrain upgrades, forged internals, standalone ECU)
Supporting Mods You’ll Probably Need
A camshaft upgrade isn’t a standalone mod. To maximize performance and avoid reliability issues, you often need to upgrade:
- Valve springs (stronger springs prevent valve float at high RPM)
- Pushrods (to match new lift and geometry)
- Retainers and locks (lightweight components for high RPM durability)
- ECU tuning (to optimize fuel, ignition, and idle control for the new cam)
-
Intake and exhaust systems (to match increased airflow)
Pro Tip: If you’re upgrading to a high-lift cam, make sure your pistons have enough valve clearance!
Choosing The Right Camshaft For Your Build
Ask yourself these key questions before picking a cam:
- What’s the main use of the car? (daily, track, drag strip)
- What’s your target RPM range?
- Are you naturally aspirated or boosted?
- What transmission are you running? (Auto vs. manual matters)
-
Are you willing to tune it? (You almost always should)
General guidance:
- Daily street cars: Mild cams with low overlap and moderate lift
- Weekend warriors: Mid-duration cams with good street manners and solid top-end
- Track-only builds: Aggressive race cams with heavy emphasis on high RPM power
Common Mistakes To Avoid
🚫 Picking the biggest cam just because it sounds cool (bad street manners and drivability)
🚫 Skipping supporting mods (especially valve springs)
🚫 Ignoring the need for professional tuning after installation
🚫 Not checking piston-to-valve clearance when upgrading aggressively
A camshaft that's too aggressive for your setup will hurt performance and reliability more than it helps.
Maximize Your Gains With WOT Performance Parts
At WOT Performance Parts, we stock a full range of performance camshafts, valve springs, pushrods, timing kits, and everything else you need to unlock serious horsepower gains safely. Whether you're doing a mild street upgrade or a full race build, we can help you choose the right components for your goals.
