Parts

Rev Up Your Engine with Clay Smith Camshafts

Discover the power of Clay Smith Cams. We break down the specs of top hydraulic roller and flat tappet camshafts to help you choose the right fit.

Todd Bandel

05 Jan 2026 • 16 min read

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If you’ve ever walked through a car show or a drag strip pit area, you’ve likely seen the iconic cigar-chomping, red-headed woodpecker logo. That bird is Mr. Horsepower, and he represents one of the most legendary names in the high-performance automotive world: Clay Smith Cams.

The Mr. Horsepower logo is a characterization of Clay Smith's persona, capturing his spirited and competitive nature, the famous 'Mr. Horsepower Logo' was actually drawn by a friend during the time Clay Smith raced Joe Guess's Hydro boat, adding a unique origin story to the brand's imagery. For decades, engine builders and racing enthusiasts have relied on Clay Smith’s engineering prowess to squeeze every ounce of power out of their machines.

The legacy began in the early 1930s, when choosing the right camshaft was already considered the “brain surgery” of engine building. It dictates when the valves open and close, how long they stay open, and how much lift they provide. Get it right, and your engine sings with power and efficiency. Get it wrong, and you’re left with a sluggish, unresponsive disappointment. That’s why relying on a brand with a proven track record is essential.

This guide dives deep into the world of Clay Smith Cams. Whether you are building a street rod, a dedicated strip machine, or a heavy-duty towing rig, understanding the nuances of these camshafts can be the difference between a good engine and a great one. We will explore their history, break down their most popular hydraulic roller and flat tappet options, and help you decide which grind is the perfect match for your vehicle. We have only explored a few of their options in this blog.

The History and Legacy of Mr. Horsepower Logo

The legend of Clay Smith began in the early 1930s, a golden era for American automotive ingenuity. Clay Smith wasn’t just a manufacturer; he was a racer at heart. He started by hand-grinding camshafts to specific high-performance specifications, a level of precision that was rare at the time.

These camshafts were literally hand-ground by Clay, showcasing a tradition of craftsmanship and attention to detail. His work quickly gained a reputation for winning races, and the “Mr. Horsepower” caricature became synonymous with speed.

Clay Smith specialized in camshafts, and his high-performance engines were setting world speed records. Clay Smith Cams didn’t just survive the changing tides of the automotive industry; they defined them. From the early days of hot rodding to modern competitive racing, the company has maintained a strict dedication to quality. The legacy lives on today, not just as a nostalgia brand but as a cutting-edge manufacturer that combines old-school knowledge with modern technology.

When you install a Clay Smith cam, you aren’t just putting a piece of metal in your engine block. You are installing a piece of history that has been refined over nearly a century of competition. This heritage ensures that every profile is designed with a deep understanding of airflow dynamics and valve train geometry, making theirs a true continuation of the Mr. Horsepower legacy.

Understanding Camshaft Design

The story of Clay Smith Cams is inseparable from the evolution of high-performance engines, with a legacy that began in the early 1930s. At a time when precision and innovation were rare commodities, Clay Smith set himself apart by literally hand-grinding camshafts to high-performance specifications. This hands-on approach wasn’t just about craftsmanship; it was about pushing the boundaries of what engines could achieve. The result? Camshafts that were instrumental in setting world speed records and earning the trust of racers and engine builders across the industry.

Clay Smith’s technical expertise quickly became recognized among famous racers, who were mesmerized by the overall performance of his hand-ground camshafts. One standout example is the camshaft he designed for Joe Guess’s Hydro boat, a project that showcased the raw power and reliability of a cam ground by Clay Smith to high-performance standards. These achievements cemented Clay Smith’s reputation as a leader in the world of high-performance engines and accessories.

The iconic Mr. Horsepower logo, drawn by a friend of Clay Smith, has become a symbol of this relentless pursuit of horsepower and performance. Today, that logo is instantly recognized in drag racing pits, car shows, and machine shops around the world, representing a brand that has never lost sight of its roots.

Inside the Clay Smith Cams machine shop in Buena Park, the tradition of hand grinding camshafts continues. Each cam is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every product meets the demanding specs required by racers and enthusiasts alike. This commitment to quality and performance is why Clay Smith Cams remains a go-to choice for those who demand the best from their engines, whether they’re chasing world speed records or simply looking to upgrade their daily driver.

When it comes to choosing the right camshaft for your vehicle, understanding the design process is key. Clay Smith Cams offers a wide range of profiles and specifications, making it easy to find the perfect match for your engine, driving style, and performance goals. Whether you’re building a drag racing machine or a street cruiser, you can trust that every camshaft is backed by nearly a century of technical expertise and a legacy of innovation.

In the world of high performance, details matter. With Clay Smith Cams, you’re not just buying a part; you’re investing in a piece of history, a symbol of technical mastery, and a commitment to results that have stood the test of time.

Key Features and Benefits of Clay Smith Cams

What sets Clay Smith apart in a crowded market of performance parts? It comes down to a blend of precision engineering, a wide selection of items, and versatile application. Customers can choose from a variety of camshafts and related items, ensuring they find the right products for their specific engine needs and performance goals.

Precision Grinding: Every camshaft is ground to exacting tolerances. This ensures consistent performance cylinder-to-cylinder, providing a smoother idle (relative to the cam profile) and maximum power output.
Wide Range of Profiles: Whether you need low-end torque for towing a 30,000-pound load or high-RPM horsepower for the drag strip, there is a specific grind available.
Durability: Made from high-quality materials, these cams are built to withstand the rigorous stress of high-performance environments.
Optimized Airflow: The primary goal of these cams is to improve airflow efficiency. By optimizing valve timing events, they maximize cylinder filling, leading to better combustion and more power.

Hydraulic Roller Tappet Camshafts

Hydraulic roller camshafts represent the modern standard for performance street and strip engines. They offer the best of both worlds: the low maintenance of hydraulic lifters (no need for constant lash adjustment) and the aggressive ramp rates of a roller profile, which allows the valves to open faster and stay open longer without the friction associated with flat tappets.

Clay Smith Cams Camshafts 160-3101

Camshaft, Hydraulic Roller Tappet, 288 int./300 exh. Advertised Duration, 0.600 int./0 569 exh. Lift, 109 Lobe Separation

Check Price On Summit Racing Equipment

HPC-160-3101: The "Old School" Powerhouse

The HPC-160-3101 is a fantastic choice for Big Block Chevy owners looking to wake up their engines without sacrificing driveability. It is specifically designed for 454- to 470-CID engines using OEM 049/781 heads or Brodix Race Rite 270s.

Specifications:

Engine Application: Big Block Chevy
Cam Style: Hydraulic Roller Tappet
Advertised Duration: 288 intake / 300 exhaust
Duration at .050" Lift: 229 intake / 241 exhaust
Valve Lift: 0.600" intake / 0.569" exhaust
Lobe Separation: 109 degrees
RPM Range: Up to 5700 RPM (OEM heads) or 6000 RPM (Brodix heads)
Recommended Setup: 1 3/4" headers, 850 CFM carburetor, dual-plane intake.

This cam is a Retro-Fit design, meaning it can be installed in older blocks that weren't originally equipped with roller cams. It provides a strong mid-range punch and works excellently for street/strip applications.

Clay Smith Cams Camshafts 160-3115

Camshaft, Hydraulic Roller Tappet, 296 int./300 exh. Advertised Duration, 0.620 int./0.569 exh. Lift, 110 Lobe Separation

Check Price On Summit Racing Equipment

HPC-160-3115: High-Compression Performer

For those building a more aggressive stroker motor, the HPC-160-3115 is the go-to option. This camshaft is engineered for larger displacement engines, ranging from 454 to 565 cubic inches, with a minimum compression ratio of 9:1. It thrives with aftermarket square port heads like those from AFR and Dart.

Specifications:

Engine Application: Big Block Chevy
Cam Style: Hydraulic Roller Tappet
Advertised Duration: 296 intake / 300 exhaust
Duration at .050" Lift: 237 intake / 241 exhaust
Valve Lift: 0.620" intake / 0.569" exhaust
Lobe Separation: 110 degrees
RPM Range: 2300-6200 RPM
Performance Potential: Capable of producing 1.3 HP per cubic inch on pump gas.

This profile offers plenty of lift and duration, making it ideal for substantial power gains while remaining streetable with the right gearing and converter.

Clay Smith Cams Camshafts 160-3102

Camshaft, Hydraulic Roller Tappet, 288 int./294 exh. Advertised Duration, 0.589 int./0 559 exh. Lift, 107 Lobe Separation

Check Price On Summit Racing Equipment

HPC-160-3102: The RPM Stretcher

If you are running GM Edelbrock Roval heads or ProMaxx 320 runner heads on a Big Block Chevy, the HPC-160-3102 is designed to extend your RPM range. It pushes the power band higher, making it perfect for builds that want to scream a little louder at the top end.

Specifications:

Engine Application: Big Block Chevy
Cam Style: Hydraulic Roller Tappet
Advertised Duration: 288 intake / 294 exhaust
Duration at .050" Lift: 229 intake / 235 exhaust
Valve Lift: 0.589" intake / 0.559" exhaust
Lobe Separation: 107 degrees
RPM Range: Up to 6200 RPM (Edelbrock heads) or 6400 RPM (ProMaxx heads)
Idle: 800 RPM

The tighter lobe separation angle (107 degrees) on this cam typically results in a choppier, more aggressive idle sound that muscle car enthusiasts love, along with snappy throttle response.

Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshafts

While roller cams are popular, hydraulic flat tappet camshafts remain a cost-effective and reliable choice for many builds, especially for those adhering to specific class rules or working with a budget-friendly restoration. Clay Smith offers excellent grinds in this category that deliver proven results.

Clay Smith Cams Camshafts 01-012

Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, 274 int./274 exh. Advertised Duration, 0.442 int./0.442 exh. Lift, 108 Lobe Separation

Check Price On Summit Racing Equipment

HPC-01-012: The Torque Monster

This camshaft is a classic upgrade for Small Block Chevy engines. It is designed to build low-end torque while providing that healthy, throaty exhaust sound that turns heads at stoplights.

Specifications:

Engine Application: Small Block Chevy
Cam Style: Hydraulic Flat Tappet
Advertised Duration: 274 intake / 274 exhaust
Duration at .050" Lift: 224 intake / 224 exhaust
Valve Lift: 0.442" intake / 0.442" exhaust
Lobe Separation: 108 degrees
RPM Range: 1,700-5,800 RPM
Performance: Fair vacuum, works well with headers and a double pumper carburetor.

The HPC-01-012 is an excellent all-around performer for a street car that sees occasional strip duty. It significantly improves upon stock performance without making the car difficult to drive in traffic.

Clay Smith Cams Camshafts 07-003

Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, 264 int./264 exh. Advertised Duration, 0.456 int./0.456 exh. Lift, 110 Lobe Separation, Ford

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HPC-07-003: The Ford Mid-Range Master

Ford enthusiasts aren't left out. The HPC-07-003 is a hydraulic flat tappet cam designed for Ford engines, offering an excellent balance of economy and performance. It is characterized as a great mid-range street cam.

Specifications:

Engine Application: Ford
Cam Style: Hydraulic Flat Tappet
Advertised Duration: 264 intake / 264 exhaust
Duration at .050" Lift: 214 intake / 214 exhaust
Valve Lift: 0.456" intake / 0.456" exhaust
Lobe Separation: 110 degrees
Performance: Good vacuum, good idle, good fuel economy.
Transmission Compatibility: Works well with both manual and automatic transmissions.

This is the ideal choice for a daily driver or a mild street cruiser where reliability and smooth operation are just as important as a little extra power when passing on the highway.

Retro-Fit Camshafts: Modern Tech in Classic Blocks

One of the biggest challenges in updating classic engines (like the Gen I Small Block Chevy) is that they weren't machined for the retainer plates used in modern roller cam setups. Retro-fit camshafts solve this by using specialized lifters and cam designs that fit into these older blocks, allowing you to utilize modern roller technology.

Clay Smith Cams Camshafts 150-3104

Camshaft, Hydraulic Roller Tappet, 296 int./302 exh. Advertised Duration, 0.547 int./0 529 exh. Lift, 108 Lobe Separation, Chevy, Small Block

Check Price On Summit Racing Equipment

HPC-150-3104: Maximizing the RAM Effect

This Retro-Fit Hydraulic Roller cam is a serious piece of engineering for Small Block Chevy engines ranging from 400 to 427 CID. It is specifically designed to work in harmony with AFR 220-235 heads to maximize cylinder fill rates.

Specifications:

Engine Application: Small Block Chevy (400-427 CID)
Cam Style: Hydraulic Roller, Retro-Fit
Advertised Duration: 296 intake / 302 exhaust
Duration at .050" Lift: 237 intake / 243 exhaust
Valve Lift: 0.547" intake / 0.529" exhaust
Lobe Separation: 108 degrees
RPM Range: Peak torque at 3500 RPM, Max power at 6300 RPM.
Requirements: 1.6 rocker ratio, 3200 stall converter, minimum 10:1 compression.

This cam is designed to increase lifter velocity, maximizing the "RAM Effect" to fill the cylinder for increased Volumetric Efficiency (VE). It requires a matched setup (converter, compression, gearing) to shine truly, but offers massive rewards in power.

Choosing the Right Camshaft for Your Build

Selecting the correct camshaft can feel overwhelming because so many variables are at play. Here is a guide to help you navigate the Clay Smith catalog.

1. Define Your Vehicle's Purpose
Is this a daily driver, a weekend warrior, or a trailer-queen race car? A cam that wins drag races often makes for a miserable driving experience in traffic due to poor vacuum and a rough idle. Be honest about how you will use the car 90% of the time.

2. Match the RPM Range
Look at where the camshaft makes power. If you have a heavy vehicle or tow frequently, you want a cam that builds low-end torque (idle to 4500 RPM). If you have a light car with deep gears, you can sacrifice low-end torque for high-RPM horsepower (3000 to 6500+ RPM).

3. Consider Your Companion Parts
A camshaft cannot work alone.

Compression Ratio: Higher duration cams generally require higher compression ratios to maintain cylinder pressure.
Torque Converter: If you have an automatic transmission, you must match the stall speed to the cam's operating range. A large cam with a stock converter will result in the car stalling at idle and feeling sluggish off the line.
Headers and Intake: Ensure your exhaust and intake manifold can flow enough air to keep up with the new cam profile.

Performance and Application

Clay Smith Cams are renowned for their "area under the curve." This refers to the average power produced throughout the RPM range, not just the peak number. A cam that makes a massive peak number but has a narrow power band will be slower than a cam with a slightly lower peak but a broad, usable power curve.

Street/Strip Applications:
Most of the cams highlighted above fall into the Street/Strip category. This means they are aggressive enough to provide a noticeable performance increase and that classic "lumpy" idle, but they are mild enough to be driven on the street without overheating or fouling spark plugs constantly.

Towing and Heavy Duty:
While not the focus of the specific race-oriented cams listed above, Clay Smith also produces grinds specifically for towing. These prioritize torque almost exclusively, ensuring you can pull heavy loads up mountain grades without stressing the engine.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Installing a camshaft is a significant mechanical undertaking. Here are a few tips to ensure success with your Clay Smith product.

Break-In Procedure:
This is critical, especially for flat tappet camshafts.

Use a high-quality break-in oil with high levels of ZDDP (Zinc).
Vary the engine RPM between 2000 and 2500 for the first 20-30 minutes of operation.
Do not let the engine idle during the break-in period.
For roller cams, the break-in is less critical regarding lobe wear, but it is still vital for seating the rings and ensuring oil flow.

Valve Springs:
Never reuse stock valve springs with a high-performance camshaft. The increased lift and ramp rates require springs with the correct pressure to prevent valve float. Always check the "Valve Springs Required" specification on the cam card.

Checking Piston-to-Valve Clearance:
With higher lift cams (like the HPC-160-3115 with 0.620" lift), it is mandatory to check the clearance between the valve and the piston. Failure to do so can result in catastrophic engine failure if the valves strike the pistons.

What Are Customers Saying?

The reputation of Mr. Horsepower holds up in the garage. Customers consistently rate these products 5 out of 5 stars.

Users of the HPC-160-3101 have praised its fitment and performance, noting it delivers exactly as advertised for big block Chevy applications. Similarly, the HPC-01-012 has received perfect scores, with users highlighting the healthy exhaust sound and the noticeable boost in low-end torque.

The consensus across the board is that Clay Smith provides not just a product, but a solution. Whether it is the perfect fit of the HPC-160-3102 or the specific application utility of the Ford HPC-07-003, builders appreciate the accuracy of the grind descriptions. When Clay Smith says a cam will perform in a certain RPM range, it does.

Conclusion

Clay Smith Camshafts have long been synonymous with high performance and technical expertise. Known for their specialized craftsmanship, these camshafts are literally hand-ground by Clay Smith himself, ensuring precision and quality that racers and enthusiasts have trusted for decades. The legacy began with a vision to push the boundaries of high-performance engines, and today, Clay Smith Cams are recognized across the industry for setting world speed records and delivering unmatched overall performance.

The famous Mr. Horsepower logo, a symbol of power and innovation, has become an icon in the world of drag racing and high-performance vehicles. From Joe Guess's hydro boat to countless dragsters and street machines, Clay Smith Cams have been the driving force behind some of the most mesmerizing feats in motorsport history. Racers who have decided to trust Clay Smith's expertise know they are investing in more than just a camshaft; they are investing in a legacy of speed, precision, and performance.

Clay-Smith-Camshafts

Every camshaft is hand-ground by Clay Smith to high-performance specifications, a process that ensures each cam is tailored to meet the unique needs of the engine it powers. This attention to detail has made Clay Smith Cams famous among racers and builders who demand the best.

Whether you're chasing world speed records or simply looking to enhance your vehicle's overall performance, the technical expertise and craftsmanship of Clay Smith Cams deliver results that are second to none.

Located in Buena Park, the Clay Smith Cams headquarters is a hub of innovation and history. The walls are adorned with photos and memorabilia that tell the story of a brand that has shaped the high-performance industry.

From the early days of hot rodding to the modern era of specialized engine accessories, Clay Smith Cams have remained a cornerstone of performance engineering. Their commitment to quality and innovation continues to inspire a new generation of racers and builders, ensuring that the legacy of Clay Smith lives on.

For those who are mesmerized by the roar of high-performance engines and the thrill of drag racing, Clay Smith Cams is more than just a brand; it's a friend to every enthusiast who dreams of pushing the limits. With a rich history, a famous logo, and a dedication to excellence, Clay Smith Cams remain a trusted name in the industry.

Whether you're building a vehicle for the track or the street, Clay Smith's hand-ground camshafts are the key to unlocking your engine's true potential. His legacy lives on. Remember, turn the page on boring, and with a couple of clicks, you can turn that engine into a monster on that rebuild.

For more info on these camshafts, please read the Summit Racing website pages. For a complete listing of all Camshafts Clay Smith carries, please see their storefront: https://claysmithcams.com/camshafts/

Thanks for reading!

Your friend,

Todd

#ClaySmithCamshafts #PerformancePower #RacingLegends #BuiltForSpeed #HotRodLife #EnginePerformance #CamshaftMasters #HorsepowerHunters #GearheadDreams #AmericanMuscle

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