When it comes to building a performance-oriented engine, upgrading your camshaft is one of the most impactful ways to enhance engine output. If you are considering installing What Has To Change To Use A Mutha Thumpr Cam, then you’re likely looking for significant performance improvements, especially in the realm of high-performance street cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. But installing a Mutha Thumpr camshaft requires more than just swapping out the old cam for a new one.
In this guide, we will walk through everything that needs to be considered before installing the Mutha Thumpr camshaft. We’ll cover the installation process, what changes to make, the benefits of this cam, and the necessary engine modifications for ensuring optimal performance. Let’s dive in!
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What Is A Mutha Thumpr Camshaft?
Before we explore what has to change, let’s take a step back and understand what a Mutha Thumpr camshaft is. A camshaft is a critical component in your engine that controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. The Mutha Thumpr camshaft, produced by COMP Cams, is a high-performance camshaft designed for street and performance engines. It’s named for its distinct sound and aggressive profile that delivers more power to the engine, especially at higher RPM ranges.
The Mutha Thumpr camshaft is specifically designed to improve the engine’s throttle response, add more horsepower, and provide an unmistakable “thump” sound from the engine. This camshaft is often selected by car enthusiasts who want a higher lope, performance gains, and a more aggressive tone from their engine.
Key Factors To Consider Before Installing A Mutha Thumpr Camshaft
Installing a Mutha Thumpr camshaft may require several changes to your engine and drivetrain, as it has a more aggressive profile than stock cams. Here are some of the factors you’ll need to consider:
Engine Type and Specifications
Before anything else, you need to assess whether the Mutha Thumpr camshaft is suitable for your engine type. Whether you’re working with a small-block or big-block engine, the camshaft needs to be compatible with your engine’s current displacement, design, and goals. The Mutha Thumpr camshaft is designed for high-performance engines, so it’s important to make sure that your engine is capable of supporting the increased power and torque that this camshaft delivers.
RPM Range and Powerband
The Mutha Thumpr camshaft is designed to operate best at higher RPMs. It generally improves performance above 2,500 RPM but may negatively affect idle quality and low-end power. If you use your vehicle for daily driving or need good low-end torque, you may need to consider other options or make adjustments to compensate for this cam’s design. For optimal results, the cam should match your engine’s intended RPM range and powerband.
Compression Ratio
The camshaft profile also plays a significant role in the engine’s compression ratio. Mutha Thumpr cams work best with engines that have a higher compression ratio, typically above 9:1, and sometimes closer to 10:1 or higher. Engines with low compression may struggle to get the most out of a performance camshaft like the Mutha Thumpr, which could lead to poor fuel efficiency and reduced power.
Necessary Modifications For A Successful Mutha Thumpr Cam Installation
Now that you understand what the Mutha Thumpr camshaft is and some of the key considerations, let’s look at the modifications and changes needed for a successful installation.
Valvetrain Upgrades
The aggressive nature of the Mutha Thumpr cam requires supporting valvetrain components that can handle the increased demands. Some of the key components that will need upgrading include:
- Valve Springs: Stock valve springs are likely to be insufficient for a camshaft like the Mutha Thumpr. You will need high-performance valve springs that can handle the additional pressure and RPMs.
- Push Rods: You may need to upgrade your push rods to a stronger material to prevent flexing or failure at high RPM.
- Rockers: Consider upgrading to higher ratio rocker arms for better valve lift and increased performance.
- Lifters: Use performance-grade lifters to avoid any problems related to the aggressive lift of the cam.
Fuel System Enhancements
The Mutha Thumpr camshaft increases the air intake and exhaust flow in your engine, which means you’ll need to ensure your fuel system can keep up with the increased air intake. Here are the potential upgrades you may need for your fuel system:
- Larger Fuel Injectors: The increased airflow demands will require larger fuel injectors to maintain proper fuel delivery.
- Fuel Pump: Depending on the power output you’re targeting, you may also need a high-performance fuel pump capable of supplying more fuel to the engine at higher pressures.
Intake and Exhaust Modifications
To fully realize the potential of the Mutha Thumpr cam, it’s crucial to have a matching intake and exhaust setup. The stock intake manifold and exhaust headers may restrict airflow and reduce the camshaft’s effectiveness. Consider the following upgrades:
- Aftermarket Intake Manifold: A performance-oriented intake manifold will improve airflow, particularly in the higher RPM range where the cam excels.
- Headers: Upgrade to performance headers that improve exhaust flow, ensuring the exhaust gases are efficiently expelled.
- Cold Air Intake: A cold air intake can help improve the intake air temperature, ensuring denser air enters the combustion chamber for more power.
Timing Adjustments
The what has to change to use a mutha thumpr cam has a different timing profile than a stock cam, meaning you will need to make adjustments to the cam timing. This can be done using a performance timing chain and cam gear, which will allow you to dial in the cam timing for the best performance.
Tuning and Engine Management
Once the physical components are installed, it’s time to tune the engine for maximum performance. The Mutha Thumpr cam will change the engine’s air/fuel mixture and timing needs, so a professional tune is highly recommended. A properly tuned ECU will optimize performance and ensure the engine is running at its best.
Supporting Modifications
For those looking for optimal performance, several supporting modifications may also be necessary. These could include:
- Higher Flow Oil Pump: Increased airflow demands put additional strain on the oil system, so a higher flow oil pump may be required to ensure the engine is properly lubricated at high RPMs.
- Performance Cooling System: With more power comes more heat. A performance radiator or cooling system may be required to keep engine temperatures in check.
Benefits Of Installing A Mutha Thumpr Camshaft
- Increased Horsepower and Torque: The Mutha Thumpr camshaft is designed to provide significant horsepower and torque increases, especially at higher RPMs.
- Aggressive Sound and Idle: One of the most notable features of the Mutha Thumpr cam is its distinct “thump” sound at idle, giving your engine a muscle car vibe.
- Better Throttle Response: The cam helps your engine respond more quickly to throttle input, giving your car a more powerful and agile feel.
- Improved High RPM Performance: With its high-lift design, the Mutha Thumpr cam excels at higher RPMs, where it provides substantial power gains.
Conclusion
Upgrading what has to change to use a mutha thumpr cam is a great choice for those who want to increase the performance and sound of their vehicle. However, it is important to understand that this modification requires careful consideration of your engine’s current configuration and additional upgrades to ensure optimal performance and reliability. With the right modifications and tuning, the Mutha Thumpr cam can transform your engine into a true performance powerhouse.
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FAQs
What is a Mutha Thumpr Camshaft?
A Mutha Thumpr camshaft is a high-performance camshaft designed to enhance the sound, throttle response, and power output of an engine. It’s particularly suited for high-RPM applications and is known for producing an aggressive “thump” sound at idle.
Do I need to upgrade my valvetrain when using a Mutha Thumpr cam?
Yes, the aggressive nature of the Mutha Thumpr cam requires stronger components such as valve springs, push rods, lifters, and rockers to handle the increased lift and RPM.
Will a Mutha Thumpr camshaft work with a stock engine?
While it can work with a stock engine, it’s recommended to upgrade your engine’s compression ratio, fuel system, intake, exhaust, and valvetrain to make the most of the camshaft’s potential.
Does installing a Mutha Thumpr cam affect idle quality?
Yes, the Mutha Thumpr cam is designed to have a rough idle and will create an unmistakable “thump” sound, which may not be ideal for daily drivers looking for smooth idling.
Do I need to retune my engine after installing a Mutha Thumpr cam?
Yes, a retune is essential after installing the Mutha Thumpr cam to optimize the engine’s air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other parameters for the best performance.
