We’ve noticed an interesting trend lately with several different engines we’ve run on the dyno as small-block Chevy Gen I, big-block Chevys, and especially with the LS-series engines. In all three of these cases, we ran these engines with some of the best off-the-shelf aftermarket cylinder heads on the market and noticed that what was once considered a mild camshaft that would not take peak horsepower much past 6,000 rpm are now running the peak horsepower number to 6,500 rpm and beyond. While there are several reasons for this, the most important point has to do with better cylinder heads. We now have heads that are flowing outstanding numbers on the intake and exhaust sides. Combine that increased airflow with a more stable valvetrain with more lift from roller camshafts and we have dramatically raised the peak horsepower point. This means it may be possible to reduce the amount of camshaft duration and make more torque without sacrificing much in the way of peak horsepower. It’s just something to think about the next time you’re considering building a new engine.