How to Change the Camshaft on a V6 Engine

Changing the camshaft on a V6 engine can dramatically increase horsepower and torque. The main problem with these camshafts is that they can increase the time that both the intake and exhaust valves are open, reducing the engine's overall efficiency. Luckily, there are some ways to minimize these issues.

First, consider how the camshaft is driven. The camshaft is connected to the crankshaft via a timing belt or chain. Some engines also have timing gears to drive the camshaft. These gears have twice the teeth as the crankshaft and rotate at half the speed. The camshaft is responsible for the two-stroke operation of the engine's intake and exhaust valves.

The camshaft works by moving the valves up and down when the engine is running. This allows the engine to achieve a specific rpm range. In DOHC and SOHC engines, the camshaft moves one valve down for every rotation of the crankshaft. The timing of the valve opening and closing is critical for maximizing efficiency, while saving fuel and energy.

Different camshafts are used to achieve specific engine goals. Some are designed to maximize low-end power while others are optimized for highway cruising efficiency. Some camshafts also feature variable valve timing. These camshafts use hydraulic actuators to advance the timing relative to the crankshaft angle to maximize high and low-end power.