
Erson Cams Camshaft Choices
Over 80% of the camshafts now sold in the high performance aftermarket are for late model, low compression engines. Traditional high performance camshafts are totally unsuited for these engines. They kill low-end power, waste fuel and idle poorly. Erson Cams has devoted thousands of hours to developing and testing camshafts specifically for the low compression engines and low octane fuels of the 1990s.
These camshaft designs feature minimum duration with maximum opening velocity and lift. Valve timing is altered to produce high cylinder pressure and to keep heat in the combustion chamber. Intake opening and exhaust closing points are tailored to eliminate fuel loss during the overlap period.
The following camshaft series incorporates all the performance and fuel saving technology developed in our testing programs and are available only from Erson Cams.
If you have questions or need help picking out a camshaft please feel free to call our tech line at 800-641-7920.
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RV Camshaft
The RV camshaft was originated by Erson Cams in 1972.
Originally designed for use in heavy vehicle and towing applications, these camshafts have proven to be the perfect answer for late model, low compression engines, and are now used primarily in passenger cars, station wagons and light utility vehicles.
RV Cams are suitable for use in otherwise stock low compression engines. Usable power is increased between 1500 and 5000 (depending on application). These camshafts have a smooth idle, excellent throttle response and acceleration, plus good fuel efficiency. For the best possible performance, the engine should be equipped with headers, a free-flow exhaust system, a small 4-barrel carburetor and a re-curved ignition system.
These camshafts are ideal for sedans, station wagons, pickups, vans and motor homes. Idle is smooth and standard gearing is satisfactory. RV Cams are available for all late model American passenger car and light truck engines in hydraulic or mechanical designs
M/P Camshaft
The M/P Cam has sufficient duration and special valve timing to bleed off enough compression at low RPM to help prevent pre-ignition, plus deliver great mid-range power. It will also pull strong up to 5500/6000 RPM. The idle is fairly smooth and throttle response is good. When installing an M/P Cam, it will be necessary to re-curve the ignition. The curve must be tailored to advance smoothly to full advance at 3000/3500 RPM. Vacuum advance should be provided to enhance gas mileage at part-throttle cruise.
The existing carburetor or fuel injection system will need to be tuned. It will take careful tuning, but great performance, plus greatly improved mileage can be expected from a high performance, high compression engine.
TQ Camshaft
Erson TQ Cams have undergone extensive testing during the past three decades and offer a big potential for performance improvement in a well set-up low compression engine.
TQ Cams feature computer designed profiles incorporating short, fast opening ramps and maximum open velocity. Closing velocity is lower than opening and the closing ramp is slower and longer. This type design allows the engine to deliver good RPM and great power, without sacrificing idle characteristics, low-end power and throttle response. Lobe placement and camshaft phasing have been altered to maintain high cylinder pressure with low compression ratios.
TQ Cams maintain good low and mid-range power and good idle characteristics, while producing good, usable power up to 5500/6000 RPM, depending on engine displacement and other performance equipment installed.
TQ Cams should be used in engines with headers, a free-flow exhaust system and a good intake system with a small, 4-barrel carburetor. Distributor mechanical advance should be shortened to provide more low RPM advance. Standard gearing can be retained, but a lower gear ratio is beneficial to take advantage of the higher RPM potential.
TQ Cams are available for all late model American passenger car and light truck engines for use with hydraulic or mechanical tappets.
High-Flow Camshaft
The High-Flow series of high performance camshafts are computer designed short duration, maximum lift camshafts for modified engines with compression ratios of 8:1 up to 10.5:1.
High-Flow Cams feature the highest possible lift with the shortest practical duration to produce good usable low-end power and excellent high RPM performance without wasting fuel. For best results, engines should have a good high performance intake and exhaust system, modified ignition and lower gear ratio.
Due to their broad power range and good revving ability, the High-Flow Cams have proven to be consistent E.T. Bracket winners.
High-Flow Cams are available for all late model, American passenger car engines in hydraulic or mechanical designs.
High Boost Camshaft
Erson Cams, one of the industry’s leaders in camshaft design technology, is proud to introduce its new line of High Boost Cams for the high performance enthusiast. Camshaft profiles, ranging in performance and application from the smaller, roots-style superchargers; all the way up to the larger, more performance oriented blowers of the family--not excluding Paxton or Vortex style Superchargers.
As we are all aware, every engine combination is different, however, basic engine requirements still remain the same. Blower Cams are not exception to the rule. They have certain design characteristics that allow the supercharged engine builder to achieve the expected results he or she is striving for. These designs have been developed over many years of research at dyno facilities all over the country. That’s why Erson feels confident to offer these profiles as some of the best, most competitive performance street blower grinds in the country.
JB Camshaft
The JB Cams were developed to compliment the unique characteristics of jet boats. The jet unit has a power absorption curve similar in shape to the power output curve of an engine, except at the top-end where the impeller power absorption curve becomes very steep. The RPM, where the power developed curve crosses the power absorbed curve, is the absolute maximum RPM the unit can turn. The spread between the curves is excess power and translates into acceleration.
All JB Cams are developed to compliment the unusual shaped power absorption curve of the impeller. These designs produce power over a broad range and provide excellent acceleration if properly matched to the impeller curve.
A special JB Cam can be produced for any modern OHV American production engine. Call our technical department to order one at 800-641-7920.
Oval Track Camshaft
Erson Cams has an ongoing program testing oval track cams on the dyno and at the track. Cams for all types of cars, from Hobby Class to “alky” burning Outlaw Sprints are constantly evaluated and refined to produce the best cam available.
This catalog lists oval track cams for most popular engines. These cams were selected from our testing program and are proven performers. We realize it is impossible to design oval track cams for every engine combination run under the various sanctions around the country. We encourage our customers to work closely with our Technical Department when ordering an oval track cam.
Erson Cams will design and custom grind a cam for your application. We will choose from our vast selection of Masters, the correct intake and exhaust profile, special lobe center, cam phasing, etc. to fit your needs.
Roller Tappet Camshaft
Roller Tappet Cams, when not banned by the governing body, are the way to go for the most serious racing application. Roller Tappet designs produce more power over a broader range than any comparable tappet combination due to the high tappet velocity possible.
HR Energy Plus Hydraulic Roller Camshaft
Most of the “off the shelf” oils today, cannot keep a flat tappet camshaft alive in an engine. The lack of Zinc and Sulfur in the oils, coupled with worn lifter bores in old engine blocks has dramatically affected flat tappet camshaft life.
Available for both O.E. and Retro applications, hydraulic roller cams are a huge upgrade from old flat tappet technology. No more camshaft break in, no more flat cams because the lifter stopped spinning in the lifter bore and no more special oils or additives.
With faster opening and closing ramps, HR Energy Plus lobes create more torque and horsepower than a comparable flat tappet lobe.
Road Rage Camshaft
Erson Cams has introduced a new line of street performance camshafts and related valve train components called the ROAD RAGE series. Erson's specially developed Road Rage cam profiles produce an aggressive sounding Muscle Car idle and back it up with outstanding performance. Even the mildest Road Rage grinds will deliver significant gains in horsepower and torque over stock cams, and they are easy on your valve train components as well.
The Road Rage cam series is available in hydraulic roller and hydraulic flat tappet styles designed to work with carbureted Small Block Chevy, Big Block Chevy and Small Block Ford engines. Erson Cams has engineered the Road Rage series with lobe profiles specifically suited to each engine design and with an optimal combination of lift, duration and overlap to deliver a downright mean-nasty sound and the power to go with it.