help me to understand cams

To try to simplify how I think about cams:

Duration determines the power band (sweet spot).

Mild engine use 240° - 260° duration

Street/strip use 260° - 280° duration

Race uses 290° and up.


Lobe separation is how far apart the lobe centers are. A larger separation means the lobes are farther apart and reduces overlap. A smaller separation means the lobes are closer together and increases overlap. Larger cams need more overlap than smaller cams.

Lift is how far off the seat that the valve opens. More lift = more flow.


This is just basic simplified explaination.