Fk-47 Camshaft, .587 Lift, 308 Duration, Off-Road/Drag

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine designed to dominate the drag strip or tackle the most punishing off-road terrain, the camshaft is the mechanical heart of your power plant. The Engle FK-47 is a legendary profile in the Volkswagen world, specifically engineered for large-displacement Type 1 engines that demand aggressive valve timing and massive lift. Crafted from high-strength billet blanks, Engle cams are renowned for their metallurgical integrity and precise lobe geometry. The FK-47 is not for the faint of heart; it is a competition-grade component designed to maximize mid-to-high RPM power, providing the "punch" needed to clear sand dunes or shave seconds off your quarter-mile ET. By utilizing a specialized lobe design, this camshaft ensures your valve train remains stable even as the tachometer climbs, delivering consistent performance when the heat and pressure of racing are at their peak.

To truly unlock the potential of the FK-47, it must be paired with high-quality 1.4:1 ratio rockers, which brings the total valve lift to a staggering .587 inches. This level of lift requires a meticulously planned engine build, including high-flow cylinder heads, high-compression ratios, and a robust fuel delivery system like dual 44 or 48 IDFs. Because this cam features a 308-degree advertised duration and a 276-degree duration at .050, it produces a distinct, aggressive lope at idle and a power band that truly sings in the upper registers. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that serious racers demand serious parts, and the Engle FK-47 stands as a testament to decades of Volkswagen performance engineering. Whether you are building a dedicated sand rail or a weekend bracket racer, this camshaft provides the lift and duration necessary to turn your VW engine into a high-revving masterpiece.

FITMENT

This camshaft is designed for Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 based engines utilizing a performance-oriented case and valvetrain. It is ideal for the following applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Performance Upgraded Engines)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus/Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Type 1 Engine Configurations)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies and Sand Rails: All years utilizing VW Type 1 air-cooled engines
• Custom Stroker Engines: 1915cc, 2110cc, 2165cc, 2276cc, 2332cc, and larger

SPECS

The following technical specifications define the aggressive profile of the Engle FK-47:

• Manufacturer: Engle Cams
• Part Number: E6047 / FK-47
• Total Valve Lift (with 1.4 Rockers): .587 Inches
• Cam Lobe Lift: .419 Inches
• Advertised Duration: 308 Degrees
• Duration at .050 Inch Lift: 276 Degrees
• Lobe Center: 108 Degrees
• Material: High-quality Billet Steel
• Gear Requirements: Requires a standard 3-bolt bolt-on cam gear (sold separately)
• Lifter Requirements: Must be installed with brand new performance cam lifters

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize a Flawless Break-In Procedure

The first 20 minutes of your engine''s life are the most critical for the longevity of your FK-47 camshaft. Because this is a flat-tappet design, you must use a high-zinc (ZDDP) break-in oil or a dedicated zinc additive to prevent premature lobe wear. Once the engine fires, immediately bring the RPM up to between 2,000 and 2,500 and vary it slightly within that range for a full 20 minutes. Never let a new performance cam idle during the break-in period, as the splash lubrication at low RPM is insufficient to protect the high-pressure contact points between the lifter and the aggressive FK-47 lobes.

2. Verify All Valve Train Clearances

With a massive .587 lift, you are pushing the mechanical limits of the Type 1 top end. It is mandatory to check for coil bind in your valve springs; you should have at least .060 inches of remaining travel at full lift to prevent catastrophic failure. Furthermore, you must check the piston-to-valve clearance and ensure the retainers do not strike the valve guides or seals. Using long-reach valves and high-quality dual valve springs is highly recommended to manage the inertia of the valvetrain and prevent valve float at high RPMs.

3. Optimize Your Intake and Exhaust Synergy

The FK-47 is a high-overlap camshaft that breathes best when paired with a free-flowing exhaust and a substantial intake system. To get the most out of the 308-degree duration, we recommend a merged competition header with at least a 1-5/8 inch or 1-3/4 inch primary tube diameter. On the intake side, don''t choke this cam with small venturis; it needs the volume provided by dual 48mm carburetors or a high-cfm fuel injection setup. Matching your cylinder head porting to the flow characteristics of this cam will ensure that the massive lift actually translates into increased horsepower rather than just turbulence.