Choosing the right camshaft is a critical decision when building a performance engine. It can make or break the performance of your engine. The camshaft is responsible for opening and closing the engine’s valves, which in turn, controls the amount of air and fuel that enter the combustion chamber. In this article, we will be discussing the differences between the two popular camshaft profiles – LSA 110 and LSA 112.
Contents
Key Features of Cam LSA 110
The Cam LSA 110 is a popular choice for high-performance street applications. It is designed with the following key features:
Lower Lobe Separation Angle: The Cam LSA 110 has a lobe separation angle of 110 degrees, which is lower than the Cam LSA 112. This results in more overlap between the intake and exhaust valves, allowing more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber. This improved airflow results in better low-end torque and mid-range power.
Duration: The duration of the Cam LSA 110 is optimized for street use. It has a longer intake and exhaust duration than stock camshafts, which results in improved performance without sacrificing drivability.
Lift: The Cam LSA 110 has a higher lift than stock camshafts, allowing more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber. This improved airflow results in increased power output.
Ideal for Larger Displacement Engines: The Cam LSA 110 is ideal for engines with larger displacement and lower compression ratios. This is because the increased overlap helps to fill the larger combustion chambers more effectively, resulting in improved power output.
Good for Mild Street Use: The Cam LSA 110 is a good choice for mild street use, such as daily driving or weekend cruising. It provides improved performance without sacrificing drivability or reliability.
LSA 110 Pros
- Provides more horsepower and torque than the LSA 112 camshaft.
- Ideal for high-performance engines with aftermarket cylinder heads and larger displacement.
- Offers an aggressive exhaust note.
LSA 110 Cons
- Can be difficult to tune and may require additional modifications to the engine.
- May have a rough idle and reduced drivability.
- Can cause premature wear on valve train components.
Key Features of Cam LSA 112
The Cam LSA 112 is another popular choice for high-performance street applications. It is designed with the following key features:
Higher Lobe Separation Angle: The Cam LSA 112 has a lobe separation angle of 112 degrees, which is higher than the Cam LSA 110. This results in less overlap between the intake and exhaust valves, which is better for high RPM power.
Duration: The duration of the Cam LSA 112 is optimized for high RPM performance. It has a shorter intake and exhaust duration than the Cam LSA 110, which is better suited for high RPM use.
Lift: The Cam LSA 112 has a moderate lift, which is not as high as the Cam LSA 110. This is because the higher lobe separation angle means there is less overlap between the intake and exhaust valves, which requires less lift for good performance.
Ideal for Smaller Displacement Engines: The Cam LSA 112 is ideal for engines with smaller displacement and higher compression ratios. This is because the reduced overlap helps to keep the combustion chambers more efficient, resulting in improved power output.
Good for Track Use: The Cam LSA 112 is a good choice for track use or high-performance applications that require more top-end power. It provides good performance at high RPM without sacrificing reliability or drivability.
LSA 112 Pros
- Provides better drivability than the LSA 110 camshaft.
- Ideal for street applications and engines with stock or mildly modified cylinder heads.
- Offers a smoother exhaust note.
LSA 112 Cons
- Provides less horsepower and torque than the LSA 110 camshaft.
- Not recommended for high-performance applications with aftermarket cylinder heads and larger displacement.
- May not provide the aggressive exhaust note desired by some enthusiasts.
CAM LSA 110 vs 112 Comparison Table
To help you compare the features of the CAM LSA 110 and 112, we have provided a comparison table below –
| Feature | LSA 110 | LSA 112 |
| Lobe Separation Angle | Wider | Narrower |
| Performance | High horsepower and torque | Moderate horsepower and torque |
| Ideal for | High-performance engines | Street applications |
| Cylinder Heads | Aftermarket | Stock or mildly modified |
| Exhaust Note | Aggressive | Smoother |
| Drivability | Reduced | Improved |
Which Camshaft is Best for Your Engine?
If you are building a high-performance engine with aftermarket cylinder heads and larger displacement, the LSA 110 camshaft is the better choice. It will provide more horsepower and torque, but may require additional modifications to the engine and can be difficult to tune.
If you are building a street engine with stock or mildly modified cylinder heads and lower compression ratios, the LSA 112 camshaft is the better choice. It provides better drivability and a smoother exhaust note, but may not provide the aggressive exhaust note desired by some enthusiasts.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the CAM LSA 110 and 112 –
Q: Which camshaft provides more horsepower and torque?
A: The LSA 110 camshaft provides more horsepower and torque than the LSA 112 camshaft.
Q: Can the LSA 110 camshaft be used in a street engine?
A: Yes, the LSA 110 camshaft can be used in a street engine, but it may have reduced drivability and a rougher idle compared to the LSA 112 camshaft.
Q: What kind of cylinder heads are best for the LSA 110 camshaft?
A: The LSA 110 camshaft is best suited for engines with aftermarket cylinder heads.
Q: What kind of cylinder heads are best for the LSA 112 camshaft?
A: The LSA 112 camshaft is best suited for engines with stock or mildly modified cylinder heads.
Q: Can a camshaft upgrade be done by a novice mechanic?
A: Camshaft upgrades can be complex and may require additional modifications to the engine. It is recommended to have a professional mechanic with experience in engine building and performance modifications perform the upgrade.
Conclusion
Choosing the right camshaft for your engine is crucial for achieving optimal performance. The LSA 110 and LSA 112 camshafts are both popular options for performance enthusiasts, with the LSA 110 providing more horsepower and torque, and the LSA 112 offering better drivability. Consider your specific engine build and performance goals when selecting a camshaft, and consult with a professional mechanic for expert advice and installation.