How do you find the lobe separation angle?
To check your LSA you calculate it by adding the intake and exhaust Lobe Centerline figures together and dividing their sum by two (Ex: 112 intake Centerline + 116 exhaust Centerline = 228 / 2 = 114-degree LOBE SEPARATION ANGLE).
What is lobe centerline angle?
First let us define the lobe centerline angle. In simplest terms it is the angle between the intake and exhaust lobe peaks. Notably, it is the only cam attribute described in camshaft degrees rather than crankshaft degrees.
How do camshafts affect compression?
Overlap causes a “scavenging effect” as the engine RPM increases. This is why performance cams “come alive” at higher RPMs. It’s not “just” the cam making the power, it’s the cam’s scavenging effect working as the RPM increases which increases cylinder pressure (dynamic or effective compression).
How does cam timing affect compression?
Effects of Changing the Cam Timing This changes the cylinder’s ability to build pressure. On the other hand, if the camshaft timing is retarded, the intake valve will close later (usually sometime during the compression stroke). It should be no surprise that this drops cranking compression and hurts low-rpm power.
How does a cam effect compression?
What is camshaft lobe centerline?
The centerline of the camshaft intake or exhaust lobe is the theoretical maximum lift point of the lobe in relationship to top dead center (TDC) in degrees of crankshaft rotation. The centerline can be moved by installing the camshaft in the engine in an advanced or a retarded position.
What is camshaft lobe Centre?
Simply put, the lobe center of the camshaft controls where the power curve is applied. The tighter the lobe center, the lower the RPM range; the wider the lobe center, the higher the RPM range. A cam with a 112 lobe center will idle smoother than a cam with a 110 lobe center.
What is a lobe separation angle?
“The lobe separation angle is the angle in camshaft degrees between the maximum lift points, or centerlines, of the intake and exhaust lobes,” says Eric Bolander of Erson Cams.
Should I reduce the lobe separation angle of my camshaft?
Alternatively, if you are running a bigger camshaft to gain maximum top-end power, cam makers often suggest reducing the lobe separation angle to recover power lost in the lower rev range.”
What is the best lobe separation angle for a stroker?
12 In terms of power production, the stroker LS3 performed best with the tightest lobe separation angle. The 108-degree cam offered both the most power and torque, but idle quality suffered compared to the wider LSAs. 13 The three power curves indicate that the wide (120-degree) LSA (green lines) lost considerable torque to the other two cams.
How does lobe separation affect peak torque?
Typically, narrower lobe separation develops peak torque at lower rpm and widening the separation tends to build peak torque higher in the rpm range. Nitrous engines, which make plenty of power and torque, often run wide lobe separation angles to moderate cylinder pressures and temperatures. Engine builders Chuck Lawrence, left, and Doug Patton.