How does compression ratio affect camshaft selection?
The key factor to consider here is cylinder pressure. If you have a lower compression motor, say 9.5:1, and you use a camshaft that is fairly large (increased overlap between lobes –which allows both the intake and exhaust valves to be open at the same time) then you will bleed off cylinder pressure and in effect – horsepower and torque. On the other hand, if you’re running a high compression race motor and your camshaft has a minimal amount of overlap, the cylinder pressures can go sky high.
