High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains: Theory, Technology, and Selection - Softcover

Godbold, Billy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1613257546 ISBN 13: 9781613257548

Publisher: CarTech Inc, 2023

Synopsis

Understand the "magic" of how optimized camshafts extract the most performance from every engine component, eliminating valvetrain guesswork.

Camshafts are the coach and conductor of any four-stroke engine from early flatheads to modern Formula 1. Performance engines are amazingly sensitive to how and when the valves to the combustion chamber open and close. The valvetrain configuration and flow characteristics may change significantly between applications, but the fundamental principles are universal. This allows the language, setup, dynamics, energy, and pressure aspects of a valvetrain to be covered in a way that is just as useful for optimizing a sub-15-hp go-kart engine as it is on a 500-plus-hp street engine or modern 1,500-plus-hp NHRA Pro Stock engine.

In High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains: Theory, Technology, and Selection, farm kid-turned-physicist Billy Godbold combines his quarter-century of experience with valvetrains at Comp Cams, Lunati, Crane Cams, and Edelbrock along with the techniques he uses with professional teams in NASCAR, NHRA, road racing, dirt track racing, offshore racing, and land speed racing, guiding you to think about any valvetrain system with his perspective. Often lighthearted and filled with analogies, this book endeavors to make complex concepts easy to understand without ever watering down important details.

Specific configurations and applications are covered, providing techniques and examples for optimizing camshafts and the valvetrain around intakes, headers, superchargers, turbochargers, fuels, carburetors, and modern EFI applications. If you are planning or building a classic hot rod (Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, etc.), modern performance (LS, Hemi, Coyote, or Godzilla), or competition engine (road racing, circle track racing, or drag racing), these practical details show you how any valvetrain system should be modified to extract the most from every component and help you achieve your unique goals.

About this title

About the Author

Growing up on a rural Mississippi farm, Billy Godbold had two passions: science and internal combustion engines. He had the opportunity to combine those passions into one career after receiving his Master of Science degree in physics from Florida State University. Billy joined Comp Cams and was surrounded by professional engine builders. He worked with legends (Glidden, Lingenfelter, Jenkins, Pink, and Elliot) and eventually began consulting with today's most highly engineering-focused NASCAR teams and original equipment manufacturers. Billy's unique background allows him to communicate complex concepts in a way that anyone can understand. During his time with the valvetrain group at Comp Cams and Edelbrock, Billy developed the Xtreme Energy, Thumpr, and XFI camshaft lines. He has spoken at dozens of conferences, volunteered as a Formula SAE design judge, and designed more than 100,000 unique cam profiles. Billy's designs and leadership have helped customers win thousands of professional-level races and hundreds of championships.

From the Back Cover

Camshafts are the coach and conductor of any four-stroke engine from early flatheads to modern Formula 1. Performance engines are amazingly sensitive to how and when the valves to the combustion chamber open and close. The valvetrain configuration and flow characteristics may change significantly between applications, but the fundamental principles are universal. This allows the language, setup, dynamics, energy, and pressure aspects of a valvetrain to be covered in a way that is just as useful for optimizing a sub-15-hp go-kart engine as it is on a 500-plus-hp street engine or a modern 1,500-plus-hp NHRA Pro Stock engine.

In High-Performance Cams and Valvetrains: Theory, Technology, and Selection, farm-kid-turned-physicist Billy Godbold combines his quarter-century of experience with valvetrains at Comp Cams, Lunati, Crane Cams, and Edelbrock with the techniques he uses with professional teams in NASCAR, the NHRA, road racing, dirt-track racing, offshore racing, and land speed racing. He guides you to think about any valvetrain system with his perspective. Often lighthearted and filled with analogies, this book endeavors to make complex concepts easy to understand without watering down important details.

Specific configurations and applications are covered, providing techniques and examples for optimizing camshafts and the valvetrain around intakes, headers, superchargers, turbochargers, fuels, carburetors, and modern EFI applications. If you are planning or building a performance engine, or if you just want to know the science behind how cams and valvetrains work, this book is an indispensable resource.

Edition details

• Publisher: CarTech Inc
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1613257546
• ISBN 13: 9781613257548
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176