Fk-87 Camshaft, .561 Lift, 320 Duration, Off-Road/Drag

OVERVIEW

When it comes to extracting maximum horsepower from a high-performance air-cooled engine, the Engle FK-87 Camshaft stands as a legendary choice among competitive drag racers and serious off-road enthusiasts. This is not your average street-grind camshaft; the FK-87 is engineered specifically for large-displacement Type 1 engines that demand extreme lift and duration to breathe at high RPMs. Designed to be used with 1.4:1 or 1.5:1 ratio rockers, this cam delivers a massive .561'''' valve lift that forces your cylinder heads to perform at their absolute peak. If you are building a weekend warrior for the drag strip or a sand rail that needs to scream across the dunes, the FK-87 provides the aggressive profile necessary to dominate the competition. Engle''''s commitment to billet strength ensures that even under the intense pressure of dual valve springs and high-revving environments, this camshaft maintains its profile and structural integrity.

Installing an Engle FK-87 requires a holistic approach to your engine build, as its 320-degree advertised duration shifts the power band significantly higher than a stock or mild performance setup. To truly unlock the potential of this camshaft, your engine must be equipped with high-flowing cylinder heads, a high-compression ratio, and a robust fuel delivery system such as dual 48mm IDAs or large EFI throttle bodies. Because this is a flat-tappet design, it is absolutely imperative that it is installed with brand-new cam lifters and a high-quality bolt-on cam gear. At Appletree Auto, we know that performance is nothing without reliability, which is why we recommend the FK-87 for builders who understand the nuances of valvetrain geometry and the importance of matching components. This camshaft is the heart of a high-output Volkswagen engine, providing the "lope" and the "go" that air-cooled purists crave.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Karmann Ghia (1600cc based engines).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus and Transporter (1600cc based engines up to 1971).
• Volkswagen Type 181: The Thing.
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Baja Bugs using Type 1 upright engine configurations.
• Engine Compatibility: Requires a 3-bolt bolt-on cam gear and high-ratio rockers (1.4:1 or 1.5:1).

SPECS

• Cam Lift: .401 Inches.
• Valve Lift (with 1.4 Rockers): .561 Inches.
• Advertised Duration: 320 Degrees.
• Duration at .050 Inch Lift: 276 Degrees.
• Lobe Center: 108 Degrees.
• Material: High-strength billet steel.
• Gear Interface: Requires standard 3-bolt bolt-on gear.
• Recommended Usage: Competition Drag Racing and Professional Off-Road racing.

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Valvetrain Geometry

With a valve lift reaching .561'''', you cannot simply "drop-in" this camshaft and expect it to clear. You must meticulously check for coil bind in your valve springs and ensure there is adequate clearance between the valve retainer and the valve stem seal or guide. Additionally, because of the high lift, you must verify piston-to-valve clearance. We strongly recommend using high-quality dual valve springs and chromoly pushrods that have been cut to the exact length required to achieve proper rocker arm geometry. Improper geometry with an FK-87 will lead to rapid guide wear and potential valvetrain failure.

2. Critical Break-In Procedure

Flat-tappet camshafts like the Engle FK-87 live or die by their first 20 minutes of operation. Always use a high-zinc (ZDDP) break-in oil or a dedicated zinc additive to protect the lobes while they mate with the new lifters. Once the engine fires, immediately bring the RPM up to between 2,000 and 2,500 RPM and hold it there for 20 minutes. Never let the engine idle during this period, as the camshaft relies on the oil thrown off the crankshaft for lubrication. Failing to follow this procedure can "wipe" a lobe, essentially ruining the camshaft and lifters before your first pass down the track.

3. Optimizing the Power Band

The FK-87 is a high-duration camshaft that thrives in the upper RPM range, typically from 4,000 to 7,500+ RPM. To prevent the engine from "falling on its face" at low speeds, you need to ensure your exhaust system is sized correctlyusually a 1-5/8'''' or 1-3/4'''' merged header is required. Furthermore, because this cam has significant overlap, your intake manifold signal will be weaker at low idle. Tuning your carburetors or EFI maps to handle this overlap is key to making the car drivable in the pits or while staging. Don''''t be afraid to run a higher static compression ratio (10.5:1 or higher) to help recover some of the low-end torque lost to the long duration.