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COMP Cams 12-801-9 COMP Cams Drag Race Camshafts

COMP Cams 12-801-9 COMP Cams Drag Race Camshafts

$472.23
$472.23
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The COMP Cams 12-801-9 COMP Cams Drag Race Camshafts is a precision-ground camshaft engineered for enthusiasts who demand real performance. As the heart of your valvetrain, this cam controls valve events with exacting timing, dictating how your engine breathes at every RPM. Ideal for high-performance street, strip, or marine applications where power and reliability are non-negotiable.

Ground from a high-quality billet core using COMP Cams proprietary lobe master patterns, this cam features precision-ground lobes with carefully designed ramp rates that maximize area under the curve while maintaining valvetrain stability. The lobe separation angle is optimized for your specific application, balancing low-speed torque with top-end power. Advertised duration is measured at 0.006-inch tappet lift, providing real-world timing numbers that experienced engine builders trust for calculating dynamic compression and valve overlap. Lobe lift is precision-ground to exact specifications, ensuring the valve events happen exactly when the cam card says they should.

Matched with the correct valve spring package targeting 130-150 lbs seat pressure at 1.800-inch installed height, this cam supports sustained high-RPM operation without valve float. Recommended static compression ratio depends on the specific grind, but typically falls in the 9.5-11.5:1 range for pump-gas street engines. Pair this cam with a matched intake manifold, carburetor or EFI system, and header system to realize its full potential. The carefully designed overlap period scavenges the cylinders at high RPM, effectively increasing volumetric efficiency by 5-8% over a stock or mild replacement grind.

This cam transforms an engine character and power delivery. Expect a broad, flat torque curve that pulls hard from the mid-range all the way to the redline. The exhaust note will be unmistakable -- that signature choppy idle that announces you are not running a stock cam. Backed by COMP Cams industry-leading manufacturing quality, every cam is checked for lobe profile accuracy, journal concentricity, and surface finish before shipment. Order your COMP Cams 12-801-9 COMP Cams Drag Race Camshafts today and give your engine the cam it deserves.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What duration and lift ranges does this COMP Cams Drag Race provide for my engine build?

The COMP Cams 12-801-9 COMP Cams Drag Race Camshafts provides duration figures typically ranging from 262 to 290 degrees advertised and 218 to 242 degrees at 0.050 inch tappet lift. Valve lift measures 0.480 to 0.580 inches depending on the specific grind, with lobe separation angles from 108 to 114 degrees. This camshaft is designed for power bands from 2,000 to 6,500 RPM and peak torque around 4,200 to 4,800 RPM. Always check your piston-to-valve clearance with a clay test when using lift above 0.540 inches on small block cylinder heads.

How does this COMP Cams Drag Race perform with a 383 stroker or 408 stroker engine build?

On a 383 or 408 stroker platform, this camshaft delivers exceptional mid-range torque from 3,000 to 5,500 RPM thanks to increased cubic inch displacement. The longer stroke of 3.75 to 4.00 inches benefits from the camshaft's lobe separation of 110 to 112 degrees, producing 425 to 475 horsepower with proper cylinder head flow. Expect manifold vacuum to measure 10 to 14 inches at idle, adequate for power brakes in most applications. Pair with a single-plane intake manifold if your operating range exceeds 3,500 RPM for best results.

Does this COMP Cams Drag Race need a tune for a modern LS or LT engine?

A professional computer tune is required when installing this camshaft in any LS or LT engine to recalibrate fuel and spark tables for the new cam timing events. The increased overlap of 55 to 75 degrees will cause lean misfire codes and torque converter lockup issues without revised VE tables. This camshaft may require injector flow rates of 32 to 42 pounds per hour at 58 PSI for LS engines exceeding 450 crank horsepower. Use HP Tuners or EFI Live software to adjust idle airflow target to 28 to 32 grams per second and lower MAP spark advance.

What valvetrain components should I upgrade when installing this COMP Cams Drag Race?

When installing this camshaft, upgrade to double valve springs with 130 to 160 pounds of seat pressure and 350 to 400 pounds open pressure to control the valvetrain above 5,500 RPM. 5/16-inch or 3/8-inch chromoly pushrods with 0.080-inch wall thickness prevent flex and maintain accurate rocker arm geometry. This camshaft benefits from hardened 7/16-inch rocker studs and guide plates to handle increased side loading on the valve stems. Install a new timing set with a true roller chain rated for 8,000 RPM to ensure accurate cam timing.

Can this COMP Cams Drag Race run on pump gas with a 10.5 to 1 compression ratio engine?

Yes, this camshaft can safely run on 91 to 93 octane pump gas with a static compression ratio of 10.5 to 1 due to its intake valve closing point that bleeds off dynamic compression. The later intake closing at 68 to 72 degrees after bottom dead center reduces effective cylinder pressure to 8.0 to 8.5 to 1 dynamic compression. This camshaft works well with aluminum cylinder heads that dissipate heat 30 to 40 percent faster than cast iron. Monitor for spark knock on hot days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and consider retarding timing 2 degrees if pinging occurs.

What is the recommended RPM range for maximum power with this COMP Cams Drag Race?

This camshaft delivers peak horsepower typically between 5,500 and 6,200 RPM with peak torque occurring at 4,000 to 4,800 RPM depending on intake manifold selection. The recommended operating range spans from 2,500 to 6,500 RPM, with power falling off above 6,500 as the cylinder heads reach flow capacity limits. This camshaft supports shift points at 6,200 to 6,500 RPM for automatic transmissions and 6,500 to 6,800 for manuals in a 350 to 427 cubic inch small block. Match with a 650 to 750 CFM carburetor or 36 to 42 pound injectors for EFI at this power level.