I've done numerous searches on this site and the Internet regarding cam specs. I'm trying to get a tangible understanding of them. I haven't found anything comprehensive and am just getting separate pieces of the picture.

Below is a set of cam specs. How do they translate as to how the car behaves? Idle, vacuum issues. How to match up a carb, converter, gears, etc.

Any links?

Thanks very much.

Intake
236 @.050
.520 lift
12 BTDC 44 ABDC

Exhaust
242 @.050
.540 lift
55 BBDC 7 ATDC

106 intake centerline
110 degree lobe separation

Big block or small block engine? Is this a hydraulic or solid lifter cam?

The specs I listed were from another post, not from my car. Just an example of a list of numbers that I presently don't understand. If someone says they have 3.73 gears with a 3000 stall torque converter and 450 hp big block, I have a clear picture in my head how that car is going to behave and drive. But when someone rattles off these cam specs, I'm lost.

What do these cam specs say about idle, lope, available vacuum, power band, compatability with torque converters and gears? I know I'll eventually piece it together, but I'd appreciate any leads to a comprehensive article or tech site that would put these things into perspective.

Try this http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0403_camshaft_basic/ and this http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/tech/engines_drivetrain/cams_heads_valvetrain/0705ch_camshaft_profiling/

658,
In my opinion, the internet is the worst possible place to find reliable technical information. Yes, many companies do have valid and responsible information on their websites, but other than that, most internet information is opinion and rumor.

Your best source of information on camshaft design, or any other automotive tech info is best derived from accumulating a library of books. There are many books available which pretain to camshaft design, some are very readable and easy to understand and of course some are written to address those who have degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

For starters, check your local bookstore or Amazon.com for books from SA Design and HP Books.

SoCalRat, thanks! Exactly what I'm looking for!