Cam Question!!

[jdbubb@ix.netcom.com (Dan Bubb)]

The only thing you can measure with a caliper is base circle diameter
and height of the cam lobe. So, you will know base circle diameter
(ta-dah!) and can calculate lift. There is no way to even
semi-accurately measure duration using a caliper.
There is a tool called the "cam doctor" that can create a plot of lift
vs. angle. That is the only way to accurately measure a cam. Techtonics
has one of these.
OTOH, a quick look at the lobe profile will give an indication. If the
lobe is a sharp pointed V off the base circle it's pretty short
duration. A lobe with a flatter tip and broader shoulders has more
duration. So, you kind of have to visually compare the two cams, but
it's only an indication that a cam has more or less duration, not an
indication how much difference in duration.
Dan

Dave Ewing wrote:
> 
> Hey all!!
> 
> Got a quick question.  How do you measure a cam that you know nothing about
> with digital calipers?  I've always wanted to know this but now I NEED to
> know since someone said he had a "bad ass 16v intake cam" for trade for a
> working auto CD player.  IF it is something interesting, then I would like
> to take advantage of it.  Thanks!!
> 
> Dave
> 
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