Will a Camshaft Increase Horsepower?

Yes—installing a performance camshaft can increase horsepower, but the gains depend heavily on the engine, the cam profile, and proper supporting modifications and tuning. In naturally aspirated engines, a well-matched cam often adds about 5–20% more peak power; on some popular V8s, “cam-only” upgrades can deliver 30–70 horsepower at the crank. Without the right tune and airflow upgrades, however, a cam can shift the powerband without making the car faster, or even reduce power at certain RPMs. Here’s how it works, what to expect, and how to do it right.

How a Camshaft Affects Power

A camshaft controls when and how far the intake and exhaust valves open. By changing these events, you can shift an engine’s volumetric efficiency—how well it breathes—toward higher RPM. That typically raises peak horsepower, though it may trade away low-end torque and idle quality.

Lift, Duration, and Lobe Separation

Lift is how far the valve opens; more lift can increase airflow if your cylinder heads and springs can support it. Duration is how long the valve stays open; more duration tends to move the torque curve upward in RPM. Lobe separation angle (LSA) sets the overlap between intake and exhaust events: a tighter LSA (more overlap) favors high-RPM power but roughens idle, while a wider LSA smooths idle and often works better on boosted engines to reduce reversion.

What Determines the Actual Horsepower Gain

The size of the gain depends on several mechanical and tuning factors. The following points outline the major variables that influence results from a cam swap.

• Engine design: Pushrod V8s (e.g., GM LS) often respond strongly; DOHC engines can be limited by complex valvetrain geometry and VVT constraints.
• Cylinder head flow: If the heads don’t flow enough air, a big cam won’t realize its potential.
• Compression ratio: Longer duration reduces dynamic compression; engines with higher static compression tend to pair better with aggressive cams.
• Intake and exhaust: A freer-flowing intake and headers exhaust are typically required to exploit added valve timing area.
• ECU tuning: Mandatory on modern engines to adjust fueling, ignition, idle, and cam phasers (if equipped). No tune, no gains.
• Variable valve timing (VVT): Can broaden the powerband; cam upgrades may need phaser limiters and careful calibration.
• Induction type: Turbo/supercharged engines often use wider LSA/lower overlap cams; gains depend on boost and turbine flow.

In practice, the cam must be matched to the engine’s airflow, compression, and RPM goals. When these elements align—and the tune is correct—gains can be significant and repeatable on a dyno.

Typical Gains by Scenario

Real-world results vary, but enthusiasts and builders commonly report the following ballpark outcomes when the upgrade is planned and tuned properly.

• Cam-only pushrod V8 (e.g., GM LS, Chrysler Hemi): About 30–70 hp at the crank; more with high-flow heads, intake, and long-tube headers.
• Older carbureted small-blocks with heads/intake upgrade: Roughly 15–40 hp from the cam itself; combined packages can add far more.
• Modern DOHC 4-cylinder with VVT: Often 5–20 hp on a relatively stock engine; bigger gains require intake, exhaust, and higher RPM capability.
• Turbocharged gasoline engines: 10–30 hp at the same boost with better top-end; larger gains possible with retune and increased boost.
• Diesel engines: Cam swaps are less common; tuning and boost typically deliver greater returns than valve timing changes.

These ranges reflect typical dyno results under comparable conditions. The higher the baseline airflow and RPM potential, the more a camshaft can move the needle—especially when paired with complementary hardware.

Trade-offs and Side Effects

More aggressive cams can make more power, but they also introduce compromises that matter for daily driving and emissions compliance.

• Low-RPM torque: Usually decreases as duration and overlap increase; the car may feel lazier off the line.
• Idle quality: Tighter LSA and higher duration produce rougher idle and lower vacuum, affecting power brakes and accessories.
• Fuel economy: Typically declines in city driving; highway impact varies with gearing and cruise RPM.
• Emissions and legality: Many aftermarket cams are not 50-state legal; check for a CARB EO number if you need emissions compliance.
• Valve-train wear: Higher lift and spring pressures can reduce component life if parts are mismatched or oiling is inadequate.
• Noise and NVH: More aggressive profiles can increase mechanical noise and drivetrain lash.

Choosing a cam that fits how you actually use the vehicle—street, track, towing—keeps these trade-offs in check while still delivering performance.

What You Need for a Successful Cam Upgrade

Beyond the cam itself, a reliable upgrade usually requires supporting parts and a professional tune to extract safe, consistent power.

• Valve springs, retainers, and seals rated for the cam’s lift and RPM; pushrods and lifters as needed.
• Timing set and (for VVT engines) cam phaser limiters/lockouts if the new profile exceeds phaser travel.
• Degreeing the cam to verify installed centerlines; incorrect install can kill power or cause interference.
• Intake and exhaust upgrades to reduce restriction; sometimes a higher-stall torque converter for automatics.
• ECU calibration: Fueling, ignition, idle control, and VVT maps must be adjusted; a dyno tune is strongly recommended.
• Upgraded oiling and cooling if you plan sustained high-RPM use (track, drag, towing).

Checklist discipline matters: the right springs, precise installation, and quality tuning prevent failures and transform a “cam swap” from a lumpy idle into genuine, usable horsepower.

Cost, Reliability, and Legality

Parts for a typical cam kit (cam, springs, retainers, seals, pushrods, gaskets, timing set) often run $700–$1,800 for common V8s, with labor ranging from $800 to $2,500 depending on engine layout and local rates. DOHC engines can be significantly more expensive due to added complexity. Many regions require emissions compliance; in California and other CARB-adopting states, look for a cam with an Executive Order (EO) number or plan to revert to stock for inspection. Warranty coverage may be affected by any powertrain modification that contributes to a failure.

How to Choose the Right Cam

Pick a profile that matches your compression, head flow, gearing, converter, and driving style. Manufacturers list recommended RPM ranges and supporting mods—pay attention to those. For boosted applications, favor wider LSA and controlled overlap; for naturally aspirated track builds, more duration and tighter LSA can work if you accept the street compromises.

Key Takeaways

A camshaft can absolutely increase horsepower—often dramatically—when matched to the engine’s airflow and supported by proper parts and tuning. Expect a shift of the powerband toward higher RPM, potential losses in idle quality and low-end torque, and the need for careful calibration. Done right, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to add top-end power to many engines.

Summary

Yes, a performance camshaft can increase horsepower, typically by 5–20% on naturally aspirated engines and sometimes 30–70 hp on popular V8 platforms, provided you pair it with the correct supporting hardware and an ECU tune. The right cam improves high-RPM airflow and peak power, but it also shifts the torque curve and may affect drivability, fuel economy, emissions, and reliability. Plan the package, tune it properly, and the gains can be both substantial and dependable.

Does camshaft increase HP?

Yes, a performance camshaft can add significant horsepower to an engine by improving its ability to “breathe,” which means allowing more air into the cylinders and expelling exhaust gases more efficiently. An aftermarket cam manipulates valve lift and duration, or the timing of the valves’ opening and closing, to increase the amount of air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and enhance power output, typically at the expense of low-end torque.
 
How a camshaft increases horsepower

• Increased Valve Lift: Opens in new tabA higher lift allows the intake and exhaust valves to open further, increasing the volume of air and fuel that can enter and the volume of exhaust that can leave the cylinder. 
• Increased Valve Duration: Opens in new tabLonger duration means the valves stay open for a longer period, allowing for a more complete charge of air and fuel and better evacuation of exhaust gases. 
• Optimized Engine Breathing: Opens in new tabBy altering the timing, lift, and duration of the valves, a performance cam allows the engine to process more air and fuel, improving overall combustion efficiency. 

Trade-offs and considerations

• Torque vs. Horsepower: Cams designed for high horsepower often do so by increasing duration and lift, which can sacrifice low-end torque. 
• Engine RPM: A cam optimized for high RPM performance may not provide good power at lower engine speeds. 
• Engine-Specific Needs: The ideal cam profile is a compromise, and you must choose a cam that best suits your specific needs and driving style. 
• Supporting Modifications: For maximum gains, installing a cam is often part of a system of upgrades that include headers and improved airflow. 

How can I add 100 horsepower to my car?

Supercharger or turbocharger
A turbocharger works with the exhaust system and can potentially give you gains of 70-150 horsepower. A supercharger is connected directly to the engine intake and could provide an extra 50-100 horsepower.

How much HP does a cam add to a V6?

A cam swap on a V6 engine can add anywhere from a few horsepower to over 100 horsepower, depending on the specific engine, the cam’s design (lift, duration, overlap), and supporting modifications. Milder cams might add 10-40 HP, while more aggressive cams, especially when paired with other upgrades like heads, exhaust, and a proper tune, can achieve significant gains of 100+ HP. 
Factors influencing HP gains:

• Cam Profile: Opens in new tabThis includes the cam’s lift (how far the valve opens), duration (how long the valve stays open), and overlap (when both intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously). 
• Engine Design: Opens in new tabThe power gains will vary greatly between different V6 engines, such as naturally aspirated vs. supercharged or turbocharged models, and different engine displacements and factory designs. 
• Supporting Modifications: Opens in new tabA camshaft works best when other engine systems are upgraded to support it, such as improved cylinder heads, intake and exhaust systems, and a custom engine tune. 
• Engine Condition: Opens in new tabA cam swap will have a greater impact on a healthy engine, while a poorly maintained or worn-out engine may see less significant improvements. 

Real-world examples:

• A mild cam upgrade on a supercharged 3800 V6 made a 40 horsepower gain. 
• An aggressive cam, along with other parts like heads, can significantly boost a V6’s power output, as seen in a 2017 Camaro V6 that went from 433 to nearly 600 horsepower after a full stage three package. 

You can watch this video to learn more about cam swap on a 4.3L V6 engine: 1mScoggin-Dickey Parts CenterYouTube · Aug 4, 2022
Conclusion:
For a modest gain, a street-friendly cam might be a good option. However, for significant power increases on a V6, a comprehensive approach involving a more aggressive cam, supporting modifications, and a custom tune is necessary to extract the most power.

Does a stage 3 cam add horsepower?

The Stage 3 cam is designed for crate engines and engine swaps into lighter cars or trucks for the best overall performance. While torque figures aren’t quite as high as the Stage 2, this cam will produce well over 600 horsepower on pump gas! Awesome power can be expected from 3,000 to 6,500 RPM.