BC0722 – VW Type 1 & 3 Air Cooled Camshafts – Full Track Spec

Precision Engineered for Dominance: The BC0722 Full-Track Camshaft

In the high-stakes arena of air-cooled Volkswagen performance, where every fraction of a horsepower and every degree of valve timing is contested, the camshaft stands as the unequivocal maestro of the engine’s symphony. The BC0722 Full-Track Spec camshaft from Brian Crower is not merely a component; it is a declaration of intent. Engineered for Type 1 and Type 3 engines that see exclusive track, autocross, or all-out drag competition, this camshaft is the result of advanced metallurgical science and relentless dyno testing. It represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated, high-RPM air-cooled VW performance, designed for builders who accept no compromises. Forget street manners—the BC0722 is architected for one purpose: to extract maximum volumetric efficiency and power from a meticulously prepared engine, transforming potential into podium-topping reality.

Engineering Philosophy & Core Design

Brian Crower’s “Full-Track” nomenclature is a clear signal: this is a tool for competition. The BC0722 camshaft profile is aggressive, focusing on high-lift and extended duration to maximize airflow at engine speeds where street cams have long since peaked and fallen off. The lobe design prioritizes rapid valve acceleration, getting the valve to its maximum lift point quickly to increase the area under the curve—the true metric of airflow potential. This design inherently shifts the power band upward, demanding supporting modifications in valvetrain (oversized stainless valves, dual springs, titanium retainers), induction, and exhaust to realize its full potential.

The cores are manufactured from premium-grade 8620 steel billet, chosen for its exceptional grain structure and durability under extreme cyclical loading. Each cam is precision ground using state-of-the-art CNC machinery, ensuring lobe profiles are identical from cam to cam and bank to bank, guaranteeing perfect valve event symmetry. Following the grind, each BC0722 undergoes a proprietary nitriding heat-treatment process. This creates an immensely hard, wear-resistant outer case while maintaining a tough, shock-absorbing core. This is critical for surviving the brutal spring pressures and high-RPM operation of a full-race engine, preventing lobe wear and failure that can destroy an entire engine assembly.

Key Benefits of the BC0722 Full-Track Cam

• Maximized High-RPM Power: Aggressive lobe profile is engineered solely for peak horsepower production in competition environments, typically achieving gains of 15-25% over high-performance street cams in a fully built engine.
• Billet 8620 Steel Construction: Provides superior strength and fatigue resistance compared to cast or welded cores, essential for reliability at sustained high RPM.
• Proprietary Nitride Hardening: Offers extreme surface hardness (Rockwell 60+ Rc) for unparalleled wear resistance against high-pressure valve springs, ensuring longevity.
• CNC Precision Grinding: Guarantees exacting lobe geometry and perfect consistency across all lobes, leading to predictable engine performance and smooth operation.
• Direct Fit for Type 1 & 3: No block machining required; drops directly into standard cam bearing bores, simplifying installation for experienced builders.
• Optimized for Forced Induction or High-Compression NA: While designed for NA use, its profile can be highly effective in turbo or supercharged applications with appropriate valve timing adjustments, offering tremendous top-end charge evacuation.

Vehicle Fitment & Application Requirements

Warning: The BC0722 is a dedicated competition camshaft. It is not suitable for street use, will provide very poor idle quality and low-end torque, and may require custom tuning and significant supporting modifications. It is intended for experienced engine builders.

Primary Fitment: This camshaft is designed for the Volkswagen Air-Cooled Flat-Four engine platform.

• VW Type 1 (Beetle, Super Beetle, Ghia): All years and displacements (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc). Engine case must be in good condition with standard cam bore dimensions.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): All years and displacements (1500cc, 1600cc). Utilizes the same engine case as later Type 1.
• Application Note: Also suitable for aftermarket performance cases from SCAT, CB Performance, etc., using standard Type 1 cam bearing journals.

Mandatory Supporting Modifications: To run this camshaft safely and effectively, your engine build MUST include:

• High-performance cylinder heads with at least 40mm intake / 35.5mm exhaust valves (larger recommended).
• Dual or beehive valve springs with compatible titanium retainers, rated for the cam’s lift and RPM range.
• Precision adjustable solid rocker arms (e.g., 1.25:1 or 1.4:1 ratio) and hardened pushrods.
• High-flow intake manifold and carburetors (e.g., Dual 44 IDFs) or individual throttle bodies.
• Full, unrestricted performance exhaust system (merged header preferred).
• High-volume oil pump and full-flow filtration system.
• Engine management capable of custom ignition timing or a performance-ready distributor.

For a deep dive into the dynamics of camshaft profiles and their interaction with engine acoustics and harmonics—a critical consideration for a high-lift cam like the BC0722—reference this authoritative technical resource on camshaft fundamentals and lobe separation angles from EngineLabs.

Technical Specifications: BC0722

Installation & Final Tuning Notes

Installing the BC0722 requires standard VW camshaft installation procedures, but with heightened attention to detail. Always perform a mock assembly with clay on the piston crowns to check for precise valve-to-piston clearance; with 0.525″ lift, checking is non-negotiable. Degreeing the camshaft is absolutely critical. Do not assume it is “straight up.” Use a quality degree wheel and dial indicator to verify the intake centerline and ensure the cam is installed to the spec card provided (typically ground with 4-6 degrees of advance). Valve lash should be set cold to the builder’s specification, often between 0.006″ – 0.010″ for a solid lifter setup, and re-checked after heat cycles.

The final and most crucial step is tuning. This cam will demand significant ignition advance and precise fuel delivery to make power and avoid detonation. Whether using a programmable ignition system or a modified distributor, expect to tailor the curve for very little advance at idle and aggressive total advance by 3000 RPM. The BC0722 Full-Track camshaft is the final piece in a puzzle built for speed. It rewards meticulous preparation with an intoxicating, peaky, and immensely powerful engine character that defines purpose-built racing machines. For the builder who measures success in lap times and trap speeds, this is your cam.