When it comes to selecting the right camshafts, it often gets complicated for the customers as it involves a sweat-breaking staged process to comprehend, analyze and adjust your budget accordingly to the camshaft you narrowed down your search to and is best suited for your vehicle.
On top of that, if you are stepping into the market as a rookie who isn’t familiar with technicalities this area offers then, it’s most likely you’ll end up or will be sneaked into making a wrong purchase and consequently putting your money to waste.
However, from here forth you can take a backseat and trust us to navigate you through the endless options with this buying guide we compiled so you make a well sound decision for your Harley Davidson.
The Intake opening of the cam
Alright, so first of all, I want you to understand the functionality of the engine in simple words. The engine is a continuous flowing process of fuel and air entering through combustion and exhaust. Just the way we humans inhale and exhale to make the respiration process work and generate energy to function.
Thus, the performance of the engine primarily depends on the flow. If you’re able to stimulate the flow of fuel and air, it’s going to reflect on the engine’s performance positively.
The cams act as valves in this process. The role of intake opening is to bring the air into the combustion chambers during the first phase of the process. However, the inflow of air isn’t direct but filtered. Hence, the smoother the filter is, the better will be the performance of the engine.
The timing and speed of the opening valve are very important for the throttle, fuel mileage, and emissions. So, if the speed is low by any chance and the intake valve opens earlier during the exhaust stroke.
It can result in the gas being pushed back into the manifold leading to the contamination of fresh intake charge. However, sometimes the opening of the intake valve a bit earlier is important as well.
So, why does it need to open early sometimes? Well, sometimes the combustion chamber requires extra fuel and air. Hence, the intake valve has to open earlier so that the cylinder can be filled. Now, let’s move on to the importance of a high RPM.
Higher RPM helps the exhaust gas to pull the intake charge to the combustion chambers by emptying the residual gas from the cylinder during the early opening of the intake valve. Nonetheless, it does cause an increase in fuel consumption.
This early opening of the intake valve does have its disadvantages like poor throttle response, high fuel consumption, and emissions.
Yet, it makes up for them with some advantages as well, for example, early opening of the valve means more intake of the fuel and air in the cylinder making the engine efficient and enabling it to receive an improved flow of air and fuel from the cylinder heads.
Similarly, the delayed opening of the intake valve has some benefits and drawbacks. The benefits include the smooth functioning of the engine at low RPM. However, it can limit the supply of enough fuel and air in the cylinders.
Closing intake of the cam
Amongst the four important elements of the engine: the intake opening, intake closing, exhaust opening, and closing. The one that affects the performance of the engine the most is the closing of the intake valve.
The early closure of the closing intake is essential for that incredible low-end performance and torque. As it reduces fuel combustion by limiting the exhaust emissions, consequently increasing the RPM. Along with stimulating the momentum of the intake charge.
And when the RPM increases, the amount of time taken to close the intake valve also increases, which lets all the intake charges fill the cylinders and enhance the engine performance. But it should be kept in mind, that this delayed closure of the intake valve can cause problems if it’s not correctly optimized and maintained.
Moreover, if the closure is as well late then, the compression yield will be low, which can eventually deteriorate engine performance on every RPM.
Nonetheless, a small amount of delay won’t cause any problem it would give the engine a good mid to top-end performance. As far as the early closure of the intake valve is concerned. It can be very advantageous for heavy bikes as the early closure delivers great-bottom end performance to such bikes.
The closing point of the intake valve is closely related to the engine’s dynamics, such as the compression ratio, which is further linked with the cam duration. If the valve closes early on low RPM with a mild cam, then the engine will be performing well.
However, if it’s higher RPM then, it might not be good for the engine performance as there will be less amount of fuel and air be entering the cylinders.
But if there’s a higher static ratio being used with a mild cam then, there are chances of the mixture getting over-compressed, which can result in detonation and high compression loss. And at worst it can cause gasket and piston failure.
The opening exhaust opening of the cam
Although the exhaust opening doesn’t influence the engine dynamics like the other opening and closings, still it does make a slight difference, and we should have some knowledge about it.
An ideal opening for the exhaust is neither early nor delayed instead it’s the moderate opening of the exhaust valve that gives a clean mixture even at higher RPM. Also, the emissions are great as well with such opening of the exhaust making the engine perform more efficiently and effectively.
However, the low-end performance might suffer in the moderate opening of the exhaust valve so, if that is your priority then, you should look for cams that have a premature early opening.
The exhaust closing of the cams
Late opening of the exhaust valve tends to increase overlap and leads to gas going back to the intake valve. In contrast with that, if the exhaust valve closes late then, it means there will be efficient removal of the residual of gas.
Furthermore, this would signal the intake valve for more collection of the fuel and air as there would be more space even on high RPM. But with the exhaust valve closing earlier, you get a smoother operation of the engine.
Other important factors
We’ve discussed in detail the four valves and their opening and closings. However, there are two more factors to consider before purchasing cams namely: compatibility of the cams and installation.
Compatibility
Everything requires compatibility. If you’re pairing an unsuitable cam with your engine then, it can negatively affect your engine. Hence, whenever looking out for cams, your first step should be looking at the compatibility of the cams and your engine.
Installation
Cam installation is a tricky process, especially for people who are beginners. So if you’re someone who’ve bought cams for the first time, do not go for the installation yourself.
Ask an expert to do it and then, learn the process of doing it. Nevertheless, not all cams have a complex installation process but make sure you’re reading your instruction manual and following instructions strictly.
Durability
Whenever you’re buying something durability is a factor that is very important because what’s use is a product if doesn’t last long? Hence, when you’re buying camshafts for your vehicle make sure the build quality is good and the cams are durable.
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