What is a Spintron and how is it used for camshaft testing?

The Spintron is a machine used for serious research and development purposes. Its primary function is to test camshafts and valvetrain components and observe their performance in an engine under different load and RPM conditions, and with a range of combinations of parts. We have modified a Chevrolet LS3 engine block, with a window through one of the cylinder walls to let us observe the movement of the valves using laser measurement.

It’s interesting to note that this engine has no pistons or rods! (remember that fact later when you hear the video of the Spintron working). The crankshaft is a custom dummy shaft with main bearing journals, but no counterweights or big-end bearings – this allows the Spintron to be used purely for valvetrain testing. All that is being roatated is the “crankshaft, cam chain, camshaft, lifters, pushrods, rockers, valves springs and valves.

The information gathered from this process is essential in providing valvetrain stability data that can help enhance both camshafts and valve train components.

Similar to an engine dyno that assists racing teams and builders to squeeze every possible horsepower capability from an engine, the Spintron provides Kelford Cams the ability to perfect camshaft and valve train design to deliver maximum power, stability, and durability.

How Does The Spintron Work?

Essentially, the Spintron is a large electric motor that drives the crankshaft of an engine. That means race teams and valvetrain engineers can use the machine to safely test the limits of components without the need for combustion events within the cylinder – cutting out the immense number of variables that come from fuelling, ignition timing and the other combustion-based factors in the tuning process.

It also means we can quickly change components for back-to-back testing of cam profiles, pushrods, lifters, rockers and valve springs without having to fully disassemble an engine.

What’s Being Measured?

The Spintron measures valve float directly on the head of the valve. We do this by installing a laser measurement tool inside the cylinder which can accurately measure the valve movement at any RPM level.

It’s pretty cool being able to see what’s going in inside an engine with this much detaii!

Once everything is set up, it’s time to run a test. The Spintron room looks a lot like an engine dyno room…. Surprisingly, it sounds a lot like one too!!

Here’s what the readout of valve movement looks like on the computer screen:

What Does it Sound Like?

Remembering this engine has no rods, or pistons, and the crank is just a straight rod… The engine surprisingly still sounds like an engine, with the easily recognisable LS3 tone being obvious.

The sound you can hear in this video is purely the sound of the valves opening and closing, and the valvetrain doing its work:

Conclusion

That’s a brief rundown on the Spintron. It’s one of the most valuable research tools we have here at Kelford Cams, particularly when it comes to the GM LS range of engines. It’s just another part of the foundations that have been built in this factory since 1968, and we know that continuing to invest in research will serve us well in the future.