Maximizing Horsepower With Fat Cams: A Comprehensive Guide for Gearheads

While engine horsepower can be increased through a variety of methods, one of the most effective ways is by installing fat cams. These larger camshafts work to open the valves for a longer duration, allowing more air and fuel into the cylinders and creating more power. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about maximizing horsepower with fat cams, from selecting the right camshaft to properly tuning your engine.

The Basics of Camshafts

Before jumping into fat cams specifically, it’s essential to understand the basics of camshafts. As mentioned earlier, a camshaft is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the valves in an engine’s combustion chamber.

But why is this important? Well, when fuel is injected into a cylinder during combustion, it needs oxygen to burn efficiently. The bigger the valves open up, the more air can enter the cylinder, allowing for better combustion and ultimately more power.

Besides valve lift and duration, another crucial factor in cam design is lobe separation angle (LSA). LSA refers to the distance between intake and exhaust lobes on a single cylinder; a higher number means wider angles between them.

A wider LSA results in smoother idle but reduces overall performance since less overlap occurs between intake and exhaust valves. On the other hand, a narrower LSA will give your engine a rougher idle but can improve performance.

The Benefits of Fat Cams

Now that we have a basic understanding of camshafts let’s dive into the advantages of using fat cams to increase horsepower:

1. Increased Valve Lift: One of the most significant benefits of using fat cams is their ability to open valves higher than stock or smaller cams. This increased valve lift allows more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in better performance.

2. Longer Duration: Fat cams also have longer durations, meaning they keep valves open for more extended periods. This results in improved airflow and filling of cylinders, leading to more power.

3. Improved Low-End Torque: Fat cams are designed with lower lobe separation angles, which gives them better low-end torque compared to stock or smaller cams.

4. Better Throttle Response: With increased valve lift and duration, fat cams provide better throttle response, making it easier for your vehicle to accelerate quickly.

The Drawbacks of Fat Cams

While there are numerous benefits of using fat cams, there are also some drawbacks:

1. Rough Idle: Due to their aggressive profiles and high lift and duration numbers, fat cams can result in a rough idle that may not be suitable for everyday street driving.

2. Reduced Fuel Mileage: Since fat cams require more fuel and air to operate at peak performance levels, they can lead to reduced fuel mileage compared to stock or smaller camshafts.

3. Expensive Upgrades: Camshaft upgrades can be costly since you’ll need to purchase not only the camshaft itself but also additional components like valve springs, rockers, pushrods, etc., depending on your specific vehicle.

The Best Cam Sites for Gearheads

Now that you have a better understanding of the importance of camshafts and how fat cams can improve your engine’s horsepower let’s explore some of the best cam sites for gearheads to find the perfect one for their vehicle.

Live Jasmin

Live Jasmin is one of the most popular cam sites in the industry, with a vast selection of models and categories to choose from. While it may not seem like an obvious choice for gearheads looking for fat cams, it does offer a unique feature – cam-to-cam shows.

With this feature, you can connect your webcam and interact with the model in real-time, just like they were there in person. This allows you to demonstrate and discuss your specific needs with them, making it easier to find the perfect fat cam for your vehicle.

Pros:

• Interactive cam-to-cam shows available.
• Advanced search options make finding specific models easy.
• Broad selection of models and categories.

Cons:

• Limited information on models’ technical knowledge or expertise.
• Can be pricey compared to other cam sites.
• No free chat option available.

Stripchat

Stripchat is another popular cam site with a twist – it focuses entirely on live strip shows performed by amateurs in their homes. While this may not seem relevant to finding fat cams at first glance, many of these amateurs are also car enthusiasts who can provide valuable insight into upgrading your engine’s performance.

You’ll have access to free chat rooms where you can interact with these amateur performers and discuss your specific needs regarding fat cams. They may even be able to provide recommendations based on their own experiences, giving you a unique perspective.

Pros:

• Unique perspective from car enthusiast performers.
• Affordable pricing options for different shows.
• Free chat rooms available to discuss specific needs with amateurs.

Cons:

• Limited selection of models and categories compared to other cam sites.
• No interactive features like cam-to-cam shows offered.
• No advanced search options available.

Jerkmate

Jerkmate is another popular cam site that offers a unique random matching feature, allowing you to be matched with a model based on your preferences and criteria. While this may not seem relevant to finding fat cams, it does offer an extensive database of models in various categories, making it easier to find one that suits your needs.

The site also has an extensive collection of recorded cam shows that you can browse through, providing a sneak peek into what each model has to offer. This can help you decide if they would be suitable for discussing fat cams with or not.

Pros:

• Diverse collection of models and categories to choose from.
• Extensive database of recorded cam shows provides insight into each model’s expertise and knowledge.
• Random matching feature allows for easy browsing and connecting with potential models for fat cams.

Cons:

• No free chat option available – must pay for premium membership for full access to features.
• Pricing can vary depending on the model chosen.
• No interactive features like cam-to-cam shows offered.

ImLive

ImLive is one of the oldest and most well-established cam sites in the industry, with a huge database of models in various categories, including a dedicated Fetish & BDSM section. While this may not seem relevant to finding fat cams at first glance, many of these models are knowledgeable and experienced in the world of cars and performance upgrades.

You can browse through their profiles to find models who have experience with engines and camshafts specifically and discuss your needs with them through free chat rooms or private shows. They may even be able to provide personalized recommendations based on your vehicle’s make and model.

Pros:

• A vast collection of models in various categories, including a dedicated Fetish & BDSM section.
• Free chat rooms available for discussing specific needs.
• Many models have expertise in cars and performance upgrades.

Cons:

• Limited information provided on each model’s technical knowledge or expertise.
• No interactive features like cam-to-cam shows offered.
• Pricing can vary depending on the model chosen.

All in All

Fat cams are an excellent way to increase horsepower and improve your engine’s overall performance. With aggressive profiles that allow for increased valve lift and duration, they can give you the power boost you need on the track.

When it comes to finding the perfect fat cam for your vehicle, there are several options available on different cam sites. Whether you prefer interacting with models through live shows or browsing through recorded ones, these sites offer unique features that can help you find the right fit for your engine.

But remember, while fat cams may bring significant benefits, they also come with drawbacks like rough idle and reduced fuel mileage. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all factors before investing in a fat cam upgrade for your vehicle. With proper research and guidance from experts, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing horsepower and dominating the track.

What are Fat Cams?

Fat cams are a type of climbing protection used in rock climbing. They are similar to traditional cams, but they have a wider range and can fit into larger cracks or irregularly shaped features in the rock. This makes them useful for climbing on more varied terrain. Fat cams typically have thicker stems and heads compared to traditional cams, which allows them to withstand greater force and provide better stability.

How Do Fat Cams Differ From Regular Cams?

Fat cams, also known as wide cams, are a type of climbing protection used in traditional rock climbing. They differ from regular cams in terms of their width and surface area. While regular cams have a narrow profile, fat cams are wider and have more contact with the rock surface. This makes them ideal for use in softer or looser rock, providing better stability and reducing the risk of pulling out. Fat cams often have larger trigger mechanisms which can make them easier to place and manipulate while climbing.

Are There Any Benefits to Using Fat Cams Over Traditional Ones?

Yes, there are potential benefits to using fat cams over traditional ones. Fat cams typically have a wider surface area and can distribute weight more evenly, potentially reducing wear on the rock and improving overall stability. They may be easier to place and remove in certain types of cracks. However, the choice between fat cams and traditional ones ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific climbing situation.

Can Fat Cams Be Used in All Types of Climbing?

Yes, fat cams can be used in all types of climbing. These specialized pieces of equipment are designed to fit into cracks or other small spaces on a rock face and provide secure anchoring for the climber’s rope. Their size and shape make them versatile and useful in various types of climbing, whether it’s traditional, sport, or mountaineering. However, it is important to always use the appropriate size and type of cam for each specific route to ensure safety and effectiveness while climbing.

	Free Membership
Live Jasmin	Quick and easy registration process, No credit card required, Access to live chat rooms, Unlimited free video previews, User-friendly interface
stripchat	Unlimited chat with models, Access to public cam shows, Personal profile customization, Ability to tip performers
Jerkmate	Unlimited live cam views, Access to public chat rooms, Customizable profile page, Limited private messaging capabilities, Ability to create favorites list
ImLive	No credit card required, Access to live webcam shows, Easy and quick registration process, Chat with models for free, Personalized viewing preferences