Camshafts

Crower Camshafts 

Crower has been designing and grinding hot-street and cutting-edge full race profiles for over 50 years. Camshafts are the most critical part of your engine’s performance. Camshafts use a combination of separation angles, lift, duration and lobe acceleration/ramp rates to create what is called a cam profile. The profile you choose determines where your maximum horsepower and torque will occur. Choosing the right profile is critical. To get the best performance for your application, the camshaft profile must match your head and valve train components.

Find Your Cam


cam make


AMC
  |  Buick  |  Chevy  |  Ford  |  Holden  |  Honda  |  Mitsubishi  |  Mopar/Dodge/Chrysler
Nissan-Infiniti  |  Oldsmobile  |  Pontiac  |  Subaru  |  Toyota-Lexus  |  Volkswagen

cam type break


Hydraulic Flat Tappet
  |  Hydraulic Roller  |  Mechanical Flat Tappet  |  Mechanical Roller
 

profile name break

All of our numbered series are named for their lift rates or lobe acceleration. The lower number "220" indicates a smoother lift rate where the "420" number is a faster lift rate profile. The lower lift rates will reach higher RPM, provide more durability, need less spring pressure and less valve train modification to lighter components. A higher lift rate will RPM less, needs more spring pressure and lighter valve train components. The higher lift rates will provide the explosive power that is needed for most racing situations.

220 High RPM  |  230 High RPM  |  290 High Rocker Ratio  |  310 Oval Track
350 Series (High Lift)  |  390 Low Rocker Ratio Roller  |  390 Ball Nose Hydraulic  |  420 Series


Beast
  |  Compu-Pro  |  
EFI, Forced Induction & NOS  |  Hi-Draulic Hauler
Inrad  |  Marine  |  Monarch  |  Pro-Street  |  Short Track  |  Stock Lift Rule 
Stock Vacuum Rule  |  Street Roller  |  Supercharger  |  Turbomaster  |  Ultra-Action


Performance Break 


Level 1
  |  Level 2  |  Level 3  |  Level 4  |  Level 5
 



Performance Level 1
Level 1 indicates a good stock replacement camshaft. These profiles are designed to enhance throttle response and low end torque in vans, trucks, passenger cars and mild marine applications while delivering fuel efficient motoring.  High vacuum, smooth idle and maximum efficiency are characteristics of these cams.  Stock or small cfm carburetor, small diameter tube headers and dual exhaust are recommended for maximum benefit.  Intended for stock or near-stock engines and drive trains, 8.5:1 compression, 2.70 to 3.25 ring and pinion, automatic transmission with stock converter or four-speed manual transmission.

[back to top]



Performance Level 2
Level 2 profiles are for individuals that require more power and an extended rpm range. Works well with stock or near-stock engines and drive trains in a lightly modified street engine.  These camshafts provide excellent low end and mid-range power for spirited street, off road driving and mild marine applications. Modifications that should accompany installation of these cams include small diameter tube headers, low restriction dual exhaust, aftermarket manifold, increased cfm carburetor and reworked or performance ignition. Increased compression (9.5:1) is recommended for maximum output. Aftermarket torque converter with slightly higher stall speed is recommended because stock factory converters do not allow the engine to provide adequate idle speed and off idle performance. These camshafts work well with four-speed manual transmission.

[back to top]



Performance Level 3
Level 3 camshafts are designed for moderately modified engines.  Intended for performance hot street/strip and performance marine applications, these profiles have a moderate lope at idle and offer an extended rpm range with emphasis on upper bottom to top end power and a strong mid-range. These higher lift, longer duration camshafts demand close attention to rear end gearing and tire diameter combinations. The secret here is to pick a ring and pinion gear set and tire diameter that keeps the engine in its optimum rpm power range. These profiles perform well with four-speed manual transmissions or automatic transmissions if a high stall torque converter is employed. Headers, dual exhaust, larger than stock carburetor, performance manifold and increased compression (9.5:1 to 10.5:1) are required. Mild porting and larger valves will improve performance.

[back to top]



Performance Level 4
Level 4 camshafts are designed for heavily modified engines. These camshaft have a definite lope at idle and are best suited for dual purpose hot street/drag strip, hot marine or oval track applications. These grinds exhibit strong mid-range to top end torque and horsepower. Headers, dual exhaust, large cfm carburetor, performance ignition and increased compression of 10.25:1 and above are required.  Cylinder head modifications would be beneficial. Use with standard manual transmission or automatic with high stall torque converter. Again, close attention to proper ring and pinion and tire diameter selection is imperative.

[back to top]



Performance Level 5
Level 5 camshafts are designed for fully prepared, high compression, all-out racing engines and chassis.  Extensive cylinder head modification, bigger valves, lightweight valve train, titanium valves, maximum flow carburetion or fuel injection, racing gas, alky or nitro, magneto or electronic ignition, performance rod and crank assembly and increased engine clearances are required for maximum benefit.

[back to top]



Hydraulic Flat Tappet
Hydraulic Flat Tappet 

Hydraulic flat tappet camshafts (HFTC) are ground to profiles that pair with hydraulic lifters.  HFTCs & lifters require less maintenance than mechanical camshafts. Hydraulic lifters operate with an internal cushion of pressurized oil. After initial preload at installation, a hydraulic cam & lifter setup will automatically adjust.  This design keeps the valve train quieter for longer periods of time. The hydraulic setup allows you to escape from the extensive maintenance and lash adjustments of a mechanical setup. There is no need for constant lash adjustment with a hydraulic setup.

The top rpm capabilities of hydraulic setups are limited to a maximum of approximately 6500 RPM. Under optimal conditions some special hydraulic setups may be capable of reaching higher RPM. Custom camshafts are available to suit your unique application, please call our tech department if you cannot find what you are looking for.

Hydraulic set-ups are perfect for street & mild race applications.  They are not recommended for full race applications.

All Crower Flat Tappet cams include a 5/8 oz packet of Joe Gibbs Assembly Grease for use during installation.

New hydraulic flat face lifters are always required when installing a new cam.

[back to top]



Hydraulic Roller
Hydraulic Roller

Hydraulic roller camshafts (HRC) are ground to profiles that pair with hydraulic lifters.  HRCs & lifters require less maintenance than mechanical roller setups. Hydraulic roller lifters operate with an internal cushion of pressurized oil and camshaft contact occurs thru a precision bearing on end of the lifter. The bearing rides on the camshaft lobe eliminating much of the friction and allows for smoother lifter to lobe contact.  Roller camshafts are available in a wide variety of profiles.  These profiles have faster ramp rates or lobe acceleration for quicker valve opening and closing. With the roller setup you will feed the combustion chamber more air and fuel versus a hydraulic flat tappet setup. The more air and fuel you can provide for to the cylinder, the more power your engine will deliver. After initial preload at installation, a hydraulic cam & lifter setup will automatically adjust. This design keeps the valve train quieter for longer periods of time. The hydraulic setup allows you to escape from the extensive maintenance and lash adjustments of a mechanical setup.

The top rpm capabilities of hydraulic setups are limited to a maximum of approximately 6500 RPM.  Under optimal conditions some special hydraulic setups may be capable of reaching higher RPM.

Custom camshafts are available to suit your unique application, please call our tech department if you cannot find what you are looking for. Hydraulic set-ups are perfect for street & mild race applications. They are not recommended for full race applications.

[back to top]



Mechanical Flat Tappet
Mechanical Flat Tappet

Mechanical flat tappet camshafts (MFTC) are ground to profiles that pair with mechanical lifters.  MFTCs & lifters require more maintenance than hydraulic camshafts.  This design allows for higher RPM and therefore more power.  Mechanical flat tappet lifters have no internal moving parts, no internal adjustment and require more manual lash adjustment than a hydraulic setup.  The mechanical setup will not be as quiet as a hydraulic setup. The rewards are large gains in power and higher RPM limits. Close attention should be paid to the increased need for higher valve spring pressures and upgraded valve train.

The top rpm capabilities of mechanical setups are limited to a maximum of approximately 9000 RPM. You can achieve higher than 9000 RPM but only in the most optimal setup.   Custom camshafts are available to suit your unique application, please call our tech department if you cannot find what you are looking for.

We recommend mechanical set-ups for race applications where fast ramp rates and high RPM ranges are required.  Street applications can use mechanical setups, but we do not recommend it for the daily driver.

All Crower Flat Tappet cams include a 5/8 oz packet of Joe Gibbs Assembly Grease for use during installation.

New mechanical flat tappet lifters are always required when installing a new cam. 

[back to top]



Mechanical Roller
Mechanical Roller

Mechanical roller camshafts (MRC) are ground to profiles that pair with mechanical roller lifters.  MRCs & lifters require more maintenance than hydraulic roller camshafts.  Mechanical roller lifters have no internal moving parts and camshaft contact occurs thru a precision bearing on end of the lifter. The bearing eliminates much of the camshaft to lifter friction and creates smoother lifter to lobe contact.  A wide variety of cam profiles are available for roller lifter setups. You will have faster ramp rates or lobe acceleration so the valve will open quicker and close faster. The more air and fuel you can provide to the cylinder, the more power your engine will deliver. A mechanical cam & lifter setup does not automatically adjust.  This design allows for higher RPM ranges, but the side effect is more required manual lash adjustments and maintenance.  Close attention should be paid to the increased need for higher valve spring pressures and upgraded valve train. The top rpm capabilities of mechanical roller setups are limited to a maximum of approximately 9000 RPM. You can achieve higher than 9000 RPM but only in the most optimal setup. Custom camshafts are available to suit your unique application, please call our tech department if you cannot find what you are looking for.

We recommend mechanical set-ups for race applications where you need fast ramp rates and high RPM. Street applications can use mechanical setups, but we do not recommend it for the daily driver.

[back to top]



220 High RPM Series
The 220 series was designed for Hot Street, Oval Track or Drag racing. The 220 series is similar to the 290 series, but is designed to run with only the highest of rocker ratios. When using the highest of rocker ratios, this series incorporates smooth lift rates for increased durability in high RPM ranges while utilizing moderate spring pressure.

(MFTC) Mechnical Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



230 High RPM Series
The 230 series was designed for Nationwide, truck & ARCA racing. The 230 series camshafts are designed to run in a very specific RPM powerband. RPM, rocker ratio, airflow and valve spring matching is critical for these camshafts to run properly and make the most power. For the best recommendation, please call or email our tech department with the your cylinder head make, head design, RPM range and airflow numbers at .500" .600" and .700". This series is avalilable in all the oversized cam bearing configurations and firing orders.

(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft 

[back to top]



290 High Rocker Ratio Series
The 290 series was engineered for Hot Street, Oval Track or Drag racing. When using higher than stock rocker ratios, this series incorporates smooth lift rates for increased durability in high RPM ranges while utilizing moderate spring pressure. This series is designed to run in engines with 11.5:1 and higher compression ratios.

(MFTC) Mechnical Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



310 Oval Track Series
The 310 series was developed for Oval Track racing for use in high RPM applications and high rocker ratios. This series is also great overall design for Drag Race applications.  For applications running over 8500 RPM, titanium valves and light valve train componets are a must. This is Dave Crower's Favorite series and is available in multiple cam core configurations including 50mm, 55mm and 60mm bearings.  These bearing sizes are also available in 4-7 & 4-7-3-2 (LS1) firing order configurations.

(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft 

[back to top]



350 Series (High Lift)
The 350 series was designed for Hot Street Application. This series ranges from mild to wild and has a great lopey idle. It utilizes short advertised duration & high lifts to suit modern engine designs. This series has a broad power with improved manifold vacuum pressure for sensitive computed controlled engines.  The 350 series is the highest performance hydraulic roller series available from Crower.  Higher lift rate profiles for standard and LS applications are available by special order.

(HRC) Hydraulic Roller Camshaft 

[back to top]



390 Low Rocker Ratio Roller
The 390 Roller series is made up of Race only Drag & Oval track profiles with the fastest lift rates available from Crower.  This series requires high spring pressure and stock or low rocker ratios to help increase durability and control the valve train.  These camshafts use short seat duration and fast lift rates to increase the area under the lift curve and create a broad operating power range. Engines running 7500+ require titanium valves and the best available valve train.

(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft  

[back to top]



390 Ball Nose Hydraulic
The 390 Ball Nose Hydraulic series utilizes short seat duration and fast lift rates to increase the area under the lift curve and create a broad operating power range. This is an ideal series for the Big Block enthusiast with a range of grinds from mild to wild.  These profiles are excellent from stock replacement to Hot Street and Marine applications. The ball nose feature of this design increases camshaft durability in the Big Block Chevrolet engine design.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft

[back to top]



420 Series
The 420 series uses the latest in lobe technology.  Utilizing slow closing ramps and a ball nose lobe design, this series prevents premature lobe wear. These profiles cover a wide range of designs from stock replacement to Race only, Oval Track and Hot Street. This is an ideal series for engine builders looking for the ultimate in flat tappet camshaft design.  Only premium cam cores are used for these profiles.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft

[back to top]



Beast
The Beast series is designed with the budget minded engine builder in mind.  These tried and true camshafts make an excellent all around series and feature a range of grinds to fit your needs from Mileage to Hot Street.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
(HRC) Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft 

[back to top]



Compu-Pro
The Compu-pro series is excellent all around series targeted to your specific CID group.  This series is a step above the Beast series and provides the best performance fit for your Mileage to Hot Street needs.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft 
(MFTC) Mechnial Flat Tappet Camshaft

[back to top]



EFI, Forced Induction & NOS
The EFI, Forced Induction & NOS Series uses the latest in camshaft technology to maximize performance in the forced induction engine.  This Hot Street & Strip series uses wide lobe centers to increase vacuum at idle.  These grinds work well with electronic fuel injection and/or NOS.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
(HRC) Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft 

[back to top]



Hi-Draulic Hauler
The Hi-Draulic Hauler series is the perfect Hot Street & Race Profile for a rough idle and that Classic Hot Rod sound. This has been and continues to be a highly sought after series for over 20 years.  These cams are designed to run with 10:1 and up compression.  For your exact performance, these are available in a range of grinds that match your CID group.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



Inrad
Inrad is short for Inverse Radius and this camshaft series is for Performance Racing only.  The Inrad series incorporates extremely fast lift rates that require the lightest operating valve train available.

(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft  

This series is available by special order only. Contact our camshaft department for more details.  Please fill out the Crower Camshaft form and submit it to us.

[back to top]



Marine
The Marine series is available in HFT profiles and is CID grouped for your application's top performance.  These cams are designed to run pump gasoline and around 9:1 compression. They are designed to make power at lower RPM ranges and under restricted exhaust conditions to provide optimum performance in this Marine application.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



Monarch
The Monarch series is comprised of very popular old school designs for HFT & MFT applications.  Limited availability--made to order.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
(MFTC) Mechnical Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



Pro-Street
The Pro-Street series is made up of profiles that have that great Hot Rod sound, power and lopey idle while maintaining street drivability.  Wide lobe centers give this grind series its broad operating power band and reduced cranking pressure to reduce detonation. This series is designed for 10:1 to 11:1 compression. The wide lobe centers also help with piston to valve clearance.

(MFTC) Mechnical Flat Tappet Camshaft  

[back to top]



Short Track
The Short Track series was originally designed for 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 mile tracks, however these profiles can be used in a broad range of applications including Hot Street. These proven tried & true camshafts are CID grouped for optimum RPM range matching. Special grinds available if using big port and big valve aftermarket cylinder heads.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



Stock Lift Rule
The Stock Lift series was designed for Oval Track applications that have to meet stock lift requirements. These designs utilize fast lift rates to create maximum power while meeting your racing class' lift rule requirements. These camshafts have a unique design that runs like a higher lift camshaft, but meets stock lift rules. High spring pressures and lighter valve train is required to maintain valve train control.  Our standard hydraulic or "cheater" hydraulic flat tappet lifters may be used with this series.  Longer pushrods are required when running "cheaters".  Please verify your specific stock lift rules.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



Stock Vacuum Rule
The Stock Vacuum series was designed to meet the stock vacuum requirements of your sanctioning body. This profile uses fast lift rates and stock lift. These camshafts have a unique design that runs like a higher lift camshaft, but meets stock lift rules and vacuum requirements.   This popular series is also available on a custom order basis to meet any special requirements.  Contact our camshaft department for more details.  Please fill out the Crower Camshaft form and submit it to us.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



Street Roller
The Street Roller series is made up of our most popular Hot Street profiles.  This series is available in a wide range of profiles to suit your desired horsepower and RPM range requirements.  Wide lobe centers help broaden the power range and insure piston to valve clearance.  The wide lobe center also reduces cylinder cranking pressures allowing higher compression ratios with reduced detonation while running pump gas. 11:1 and lower compression ratios are recommended.

(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft 

[back to top]



Supercharger
This Supercharger series incorporates moderate lifts to improve durability with the high cylinder pressures present in supercharged engines. This series also uses a ball nose design to help improve durability.  If using aftermarket cylinder heads call for your personal camshaft design recommendations.   (HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft 

[back to top]



Turbomaster
This Turbomaster series incorporates moderate lifts to improve durability with the high cylinder pressures present in turbo engines. This series also uses a ball nose design to help improve durability.  If using aftermarket cylinder heads call for your personal camshaft design recommendations.

(HFTC) Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft

[back to top]



Ultra-Action
The Ultra Action series was designed with fast lift rates to improve breathing and deliver the power that you need.  These race only profiles have a broad operating power band to suit your needs. Ultra Action camshafts require stock rocker ratios and high valve spring pressures for adequate valve train control.

(MRC) Mechnical Roller Camshaft 

[back to top]

 




Camshafts

^Top