The best way to build an engine is to make a plan with a carefully calculated formula. If you have a set plan it’s much easier to pick the right camshaft. It’s not uncommon to throw mods at an engine in an effort to boost performance while neglecting the camshaft.
After a particular mod or set of mods is thrown on an engine the stock camshaft might not be taking advantage of what you’ve done to it and the time will come to pick out a cam that will make the most of what’s available to it.
Bolt Ons: Intakes, throttle bodies, headers and exhaust systems are all popularly combined mods thrown on Challengers. These mods combined will raise power and performance but the factory cam might fall short of utilizing the additional airflow that is available to the engine. Choosing the right aftermarket cam may make night and day differences that will give new life to old speed parts.
Cylinder Heads: Cylinder head upgrades will almost always warrant the use of an aftermarket camshaft. The cylinder head will tell you how much lift you can run and can dramatically increase airflow and alter compression ratios. If you are looking to install new heads on your Challenger you will want to make sure the cam you pick will milk those aftermarket cylinder heads for everything they’ve got.
Boost: A boosted engine and a naturally aspirated engine make power in two very different ways. The increased volume of air in the cylinders of the engine and the rapid air flow will tell you that an aftermarket cam will be needed to make sure the 5-7lbs of sweet boost can do its job.
