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Cams & Valvetrain

Valvetrain Components & Parts

The engine's valve train mechanism is designed to open and close the intake and exhaust valves. Depending on the location of the camshaft in its rotation, the valves open and close via its lobe height. In a V8 engine, there are 16 valves total. Each cylinder head contains eight valves, four intake and four exhaust. While the valves are precisely timed by the camshaft, the lifters move the pushrods upward, the rocker arm tilts downward and moves the valve. JEGS offers these parts from top brands like Crane Cams, Comp Cams, Isky Racing Cams, JEGS, and more. View our wide selection of valvetrain components that will boost engine performance.

The Benefits Of Buying High Performance Valve Train Components

The goal of the valvetrain parts is to regulate the amount of air and fuel mixture entering and exiting the engine by opening and closing the valves. Performance valve train parts take this setup to the next level by adding horsepower with a stronger design for higher RPM use. By changing the valve timing and using supportive auto parts to reduce friction such as roller lifters and roller rocker arms, more horsepower can be achieved along with higher RPMs.

Adds Horsepower

Upgrading valve train components is an important factor when it comes to increasing horsepower. When looking at the individual parts, roller lifters and roller rocker arms play a key role in boosting performance. By using these products, the rollers reduce friction between the lifters and the camshaft, and the rocker arms and valves. These products promote efficiency and durability. Camshaft upgrades also provide more horsepower because the lobes have higher cylinder head valve intake and exhaust lifts and longer durations. This allows more fuel and air to be drawn into the engine combustion chamber. After the air and fuel is compressed and ignited, the exhaust valves have to stay open longer so that the gas can leave. This process allows the intake and exhaust valves to work together to produce power.

Stronger Design For Higher RPM Performance

With the improvement in design strength and material, performance valve train components are able to handle the stress and heavy-duty use that is experienced in high-RPM and racing applications.

FAQs And Information Regarding Valve Train Components

When looking at the valve train parts and functions, there are many different pieces that allow the intake and exhaust valves to perform correctly. With three different valve train designs, it is important to understand the basic functions of each part. Therefore when issues arise, you can pinpoint where the issue is coming from. To help explain the different valve train designs and potential issues, we have provided below the most commonly asked questions about valve train components.

What Makes Up The Valve Train?

There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to the valve train:

  • Camshaft
  • Rocker Arm
  • Valve Springs
  • Pushrods (for Overhead Valve engines)
  • Lifters
  • Valves
  • Retainers And Keepers

  • Each of the valve train components play an essential role in regulating the air and fuel mixture entering the engine and the exhaust gasses exit. If the airflow is restricted, the efficiency and power of the motor will decrease. Every part performs a key function within the valvetrain to help regulate the intake fuel mixture and exhaust gasses to produce power correctly.

    What Are The Three Basic Types Of Valve Trains?

    There are three valve train types: the OverHead Valve (OHV), the Single Over Head Cam (SOHC), and the Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC). Each design uniquely controls the opening and closing of the valves and the air/fuel mixture that enters the combustion chamber.

  • OHV

  • The OHV uses lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms to open the valves. With the camshaft being located in the block, the timing set generates the cam’s movement through the crankshaft. We see OHV valve trains in mostly V6 to V8 engines because of their weight, complexity, durability, affordability, and compact size.

  • SOHC

  • The SOHC valve train features one camshaft located above the cylinder heads. This feature uses a timing chain or belt to drive the camshaft, and eliminates the use of pushrods. Since the valves are operated by less moving parts, the valvetrain style allows you to maintain precise timing at higher RPMs. Although this style does offer easy accessibility, the complexity of the SOHC does add weight and height to the engine for a higher price.

  • DOHC

  • The DOHC valve train design uses two camshafts above the cylinder heads. The function of the camshafts is similar to SOHC designs, using a timing chain or belt. Since there is a direct line of operation to the valves, fuel efficiency and power can be optimized. Engine complexity and weight are also increased in the DOHC valve train design. Similar to the SOHC, the height and weight do increase which can affect the overall reliability of the valvetrain.

    How Do You Fix A Noisy Valve Train?

    Since valve trains are made up of different moving parts, it is key to listen closely to the type of noise the valvetrain is making because it helps narrow down the source. One common source of noise can be linked to excessive clearance. An example would be the clearance between the valve stem tip and the camshaft lobe on an OHV valve train design. When parts start to show wear, they can create clearance between them and result in a clicking noise. To resolve a clearance issue, adjusting the rocker arms or installing replacement shims can correct the ticking noise. The second most common issue comes from the lifters. This part can generate noise from being worn out, dirty, or having a lack of lubrication. By cleaning and lubricating the lifters, the noise should decrease.

    Add Power And Durability To Your Engine Build With Valve Train Components from JEGS

    Utilizing performance valve train components not only improves the overall performance of the engine, but also adds more horsepower. The durable materials and design provide extra support and efficiency to your build. With these engine rebuilding parts, the valve train can support higher RPMs and a longer lifespan. Check out the JEGS selection of valve train components to help support your high performance and racing applications.