Performance Camshafts

Shop performance camshafts for naturally aspirated, turbocharged, supercharged, street, and race-built engines. This collection includes billet camshafts, Stage 1 through competition profiles, intake and exhaust cams, matched cam sets, high-lift designs, and supporting valvetrain components from GSC Power-Division, Brian Crower, Skunk2 Racing, HKS, BLOX Racing, Ford Performance, COMP Cams, and other respected manufacturers.

Find application-specific camshafts for Ford Coyote and Predator engines, Honda and Acura B-Series, D-Series and K-Series platforms, Mitsubishi 4G63, Subaru EJ, Toyota 1JZ, 2JZ, 3S-GTE and 7M engines, Nissan SR20, RB26, VQ35 and VR38 applications, Hyundai G4KF, Dodge SRT-4, and additional performance platforms.

GSC, COMP and Engine-Specific Profile Choices

Listed GSC F-150 Gen 3 references distinguish an S1 profile for OEM unported heads from an R2 profile developed for ported-head track builds with upgraded springs. Separate Mustang Gen 4 references have their own requirements. COMP HRT VVT, Skunk2 K20C1 and Brian Crower staged profiles likewise need the actual engine and valvetrain combination; a shared Stage name is not a complete specification.

What Does a Performance Camshaft Do?

A camshaft controls when the intake and exhaust valves open, how far they lift, and how long they remain open. A performance profile can move the powerband, improve cylinder filling, support higher engine speed, and complement increased airflow from cylinder-head, intake, exhaust, or forced-induction upgrades. Results depend on the complete engine combination and calibration.

Choosing Camshaft Lift, Duration, and Intended Use

Lift describes valve travel, while duration describes how long the valve remains open. Overlap and lobe positioning also affect idle quality, low-speed response, boost behavior, and high-RPM airflow. Select a profile for the vehicle's actual use, whether it is a responsive street build, autocross car, road-course setup, drag application, or dedicated race engine. A larger cam is not automatically the best choice.

Stage 1, Stage 2, and Race Camshafts

Stage labels are specific to each manufacturer and should not be compared as universal specifications. Review the published lift, duration, RPM range, cylinder-head requirements, piston clearance, compression, turbo size, and required valvetrain components. Some aggressive profiles require ported heads, upgraded springs, different followers, or other engine modifications.

Engine Code and Camshaft Fitment

Camshafts are highly engine specific. Confirm the exact engine code, cylinder-head version, intake or exhaust position, model year, variable-valve-timing system, and regional specification. Subaru EJ205, EJ255 and EJ257 applications can differ by AVCS configuration. Nissan SR and RB cams may differ by chassis, NVCS equipment, and cam position. Honda K20 variants and Ford Coyote generations also require application-specific selection.

Valvetrain, Timing, and Clearance Requirements

Many performance camshafts require matched valve springs, retainers, followers, lifters, lash caps, or upgraded valves. During assembly, verify installed height, spring pressure, coil-bind clearance, retainer-to-seal clearance, piston-to-valve clearance, and valve lash where applicable. Inspect chains or belts, guides, tensioners, phasers, seals, and fasteners before installation.

Complete the build with compatible valve springs and retainers, adjustable cam gears, timing components, and head fasteners.

Cam Degreeing and Engine Calibration

Degreeing verifies the camshaft's installed position relative to the crankshaft and is especially important after cylinder-head machining, block decking, timing-component changes, or adjustable-gear installation. A suitable engine calibration is recommended because camshaft changes can affect airflow, idle, fueling, ignition timing, boost control, and variable-cam operation.

Choose Your Part

• Match exact engine, cylinder head and variable-timing configuration.
• Choose profile specifications and operating range for the complete build.
• Reconcile cam quantity, gears, valvetrain and timing-component requirements.
• Plan degreeing, measured clearances and calibration with the engine builder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do aftermarket camshafts require upgraded valve springs?

Many do. Follow the camshaft manufacturer's required spring pressure, installed height, retainer, and clearance specifications.

How should Stage labels be compared?

Stage labels belong to the individual manufacturer. Compare actual lift, duration, operating range, engine application and required supporting components instead of treating the same number as an equivalent profile across brands.

Will a performance camshaft always increase horsepower?

No single gain is guaranteed. Results depend on the engine, cylinder-head flow, intake, exhaust, compression, forced induction, fuel, cam timing, and tune.

Can a camshaft change idle quality?

Yes. Increased duration and overlap can create a rougher idle, lower vacuum, and a different low-speed driving character.

Do camshafts need to be degreed?

Degreeing is recommended for performance engine builds because it confirms that actual valve timing matches the intended specification.

Shop Performance Camshafts at Black Ops Auto Works

Browse the complete performance camshafts collection for import, domestic, naturally aspirated, and forced-induction engines. Review the individual product listing and manufacturer instructions to confirm engine code, cam position, quantity, valvetrain requirements, clearances, and tuning needs before ordering.