How is camshaft lift defined?

Camshaft lift is defined as the height of the lobes on the camshaft. In engine design, the camshaft operates the valves by pushing against them, and the height of the cam lobes directly determines how far the valves will open when they are activated. This lift is critical for engine performance because it affects the volume of air and fuel that can enter the combustion chamber, as well as the exhaust gases that can exit. Adequate lift ensures efficient engine breathing, which is essential for optimal power output and efficiency.

While other factors, such as the timing of when the valves close or open, play important roles in engine performance, they do not define camshaft lift. Therefore, understanding the physical height of the lobes, which translates into how much the valves are lifted during operation, is fundamental to grasping how a camshaft influences an internal combustion engine.