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A three-quarter cam, also known as a full cam, race cam, or semi-race cam, is a type of camshaft used primarily in high-performance or racing engines. It’s designed to optimize valve lift, duration, and timing for improved engine performance at high speeds.
- Increased Lift: The three-quarter camshaft typically features more aggressive profiles, resulting in increased lift of the valves compared to stock camshafts. This higher lift allows for better airflow into and out of the combustion chamber, improving engine efficiency and power output.
- Faster Valve Opening and Closing: The camshaft’s profile is engineered to open and close the valves more quickly than stock camshafts. This rapid action ensures that the valves open and close at the precise moments required for optimal engine performance at high RPMs.
- Extended Duration: The duration of valve opening is extended with a three-quarter camshaft, allowing for more time for air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber during the intake stroke and for exhaust gases to exit during the exhaust stroke. This prolonged duration enhances engine breathing and efficiency.
- Improved Performance: By optimizing valve lift, duration, and timing, a three-quarter camshaft contributes to improved engine performance, including increased horsepower and torque output, especially at higher engine speeds commonly encountered in racing applications.
Overall, the design of a three-quarter camshaft is tailored to the specific requirements of racing engines, where maximizing power and performance is paramount. It’s a key component in achieving the high levels of engine performance demanded in competitive racing environments.
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