[net.auto] help with camshafts and vacuum assist

wookie@alice.UUCP (07/25/84)

The camshaft you have installed has a higher "valve overlap"
meaning the exhaust valve and intake valve are open at the
same time for a longer duration than the stock shaft.  This
is what produces the poorer idle in a hotter cam.  The reason
for this higher duration is to allow the exhaust to flow out
and the intake mixture to flow in better at higher RPM.  The
result is poor idle and poor vacuum at low speeds.  The carb
installation should not affect the vacuum and yes a larger
reservoir will help some but you're probably only getting a
good vacuum when going down a long hill and so won't be able
to store much away the rest of the time.  This is a common
problem and most people just do away with the brake assist.

There is no way I can have a brake assist on my Sunbeam race
car!  The engine rarely produces and vacuum!!

				Keith Bauer
				White Tiger Racing

wwb@ihuxn.UUCP (Walt Barnes) (07/25/84)

The key to your loss of vacuum is the overlap between exhaust valve
and intake value openings.  In addition to increased duration and
lift, wilder cams have more overlap.  Thus the incoming fuel mixture
helps push all the exhaust gas out.  Another advantage is the
increased turbulence in the combustion chamber further aids in
fuel/air mixture.  Oh yes, another point, if you add the intake
duration and exhaust duration you may get additional insight into
why the overlap increases for wild cams.

						Walt Barnes
						...!ihuxn!wwb