1. What is Cam Lift Calculation?

Cam lift calculation determines the valve lift in an engine based on the camshaft lobe lift and the rocker arm ratio. This is a critical measurement for engine performance and valve timing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cam lift formula:

Where:

• \( Lobe\ Lift \) — The maximum lift of the camshaft lobe (inches)
• \( Rocker\ Ratio \) — The mechanical advantage of the rocker arm (unitless)

Explanation: The rocker ratio multiplies the cam lobe lift to determine how far the valve will actually open.

3. Importance of Cam Lift Calculation

Details: Accurate cam lift calculation is essential for engine building, performance tuning, and ensuring proper valve-to-piston clearance in internal combustion engines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter lobe lift in inches and rocker ratio (typically between 1.5-1.8 for most engines). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical rocker ratio for performance engines?
A: Most performance engines use rocker ratios between 1.5:1 and 1.8:1, with 1.6:1 and 1.7:1 being most common.

Q2: How does cam lift affect engine performance?
A: Higher cam lift typically allows more air/fuel mixture into the cylinder, potentially increasing power, but requires careful tuning and clearancing.

Q3: Can I use this calculator for any engine type?
A: This formula works for most pushrod engines. Overhead cam engines may have different geometry that affects the calculation.

Q4: What's the relationship between lift and duration?
A: Lift determines how far the valve opens, while duration determines how long it stays open. Both are critical for engine performance characteristics.

Q5: When should I be concerned about valve-to-piston clearance?
A: Always check clearance when changing camshafts, rocker arms, or when building a high-performance engine. Insufficient clearance can cause catastrophic engine damage.