Which is better for 1/4 times.....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
Which is better for 1/4 times.....
I've been looking at dyno graphs lately I noticed that many "bigger" cams make most of their HP up high. I installed a "smaller" cam and while I didn't gain nearly as much HP, I have additional HP all the way through the curve starting at 2,500 rpm. From what I can tell, at about 3,000 to 4,500 I have 30 HP more and from 4,500 to redline I have about 44 HP more. The torque curve is about 40 pounds higher through the whole graph.
Which cam will be better for the quarter mile. I'm thinking I'll have a problem putting the power to the ground since it comes on so low and maybe I should have opted for the bigger cam with less power down low? Or is power all the way through the curve ok even if it is less? Any comments?
Dave
Which cam will be better for the quarter mile. I'm thinking I'll have a problem putting the power to the ground since it comes on so low and maybe I should have opted for the bigger cam with less power down low? Or is power all the way through the curve ok even if it is less? Any comments?
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 0
When you're racing in the 1/4, you'll be roughly between 4500 and 6500 RPM. So that 30 HP you picked up below 4500 RPM with the smaller cam is of no use to you. The fact that the bigger cams make their power up higher will help you in the 1/4. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Originally Posted by The One
When you're racing in the 1/4, you'll be roughly between 4500 and 6500 RPM. So that 30 HP you picked up below 4500 RPM with the smaller cam is of no use to you. The fact that the bigger cams make their power up higher will help you in the 1/4.
I have also wondered how this scenario applied to long tube headers which promise to make more "low end torque" than others if one's racing is typically 1/4 mile drag racing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 0
Why is it wasted? You do drive the car on the street, don't you? While the cam may not be maximized for drag racing, you will surely reap the benefits of the added power in the RPM band that you will use on the street. 
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Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 13
From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
typical gas ??
So I'm looking into reduing my cam as well, but want drivability as my #1 priority. This so far has been a great thread for what I'm thinking of doing.
What kind of mpg are you guys getting on the highway between 65-75mph??
Mines an everyday driver, I like 28mpg, but am willing to sacrifice some for more HP.
Thanks for tollerating the gas questions.
What kind of mpg are you guys getting on the highway between 65-75mph??
Mines an everyday driver, I like 28mpg, but am willing to sacrifice some for more HP.
Thanks for tollerating the gas questions.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Originally Posted by The One
Why is it wasted? You do drive the car on the street, don't you? While the cam may not be maximized for drag racing, you will surely reap the benefits of the added power in the RPM band that you will use on the street.
She must be fun to drive on the street.