Why is a Twin Cam engine better than single cam?

Question

What does the second cam shaft do for it?

Also, is a normal, or overhead cam better? Or are they pretty much the same

Answer 1

the more cams that you have means that you can have more valves, the more valves, the easier  the engine can breath, the better it breathes the more power you can develop. on over head can is just different than an in block cam do to location.  

Answer 2

Often there are more valves in a twin cam engine, and it will run smoother with more power.

Single overhead cam can be nearly as good.

Answer 3

You can actuate more valves more easily with DOHC.

That helps the engine breath and gives the engine better power development.

Answer 4

On single overhead cams the single cam opens and closes both intake and exhaust valves.

By having 2 cams, the cams and the valves are NOT crowded in awkward angle and allow for better air flow (better breathing / better power optimization).

good Luck...

Answer 5

It is only better if you want to burn more gas and a lot more power.

if you are wanting power and torque use a overhead cam but for normal driving conditions use a normal cam  

Answer 6

I will give you an example: a single cam V8 engine has 16 valves one exhaust valve and one intake valve for each cylinder. A dual cam engien would have four valves for each cylinder: two intake valves and two exhaust valves for each cylinder. Usually these engiens have multiport technology.