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Calibration

The adjustment of a device or instrument so that output is within a designated tolerance for specific input values.

Calibrator

(PROM) An electronic component specifically programmed to met engine operation requirements for each vehicle model. It plugs into the PCM's mother board

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

A California agency responsible for regulations intended to reduce air pollution, especially that created by motor vehicles.

Caliper

The part of a disc brake system that holds the brake pad and presses it against the rotor when a vehicle's brake pedal is depressed. The pad then rubs against the spinning rotor, transforming the vehicle's forward energy into friction and heat.

Caliper Support

The bracket or anchor that holds the brake caliper.

Calorie

A measurement of heat; the amount of heat required to raise 1 gram of water (H2O) 1 degree C.

Calpak

Device on FI Systems to allow fuel delivery in event of PROM or ECM malfunction

Cam

1. The eccentric element of a one-way roller clutch that carries the profiles through which the rollers transmit torque. 2. An acronym for camshaft.

Cam

See camshaft.

Cam And Kit

A specially ground camshaft, complete with a set of compatible camshaft valve train components, including lifters and springs.

Cam Angle

A term often used for dwell angle.

Cam Bucket

A valvetrain component used in some overhead cam engines. A cam lobe pushes on the cam bucket, which actuates an intake or exhaust valve.

Cam Button

A device that keeps a camshaft properly positioned in an engine.

Cam Duration

The amount of time, measured in crankshaft degrees, that a camshaft holds an exhaust or intake valve open.

Cam Follower

A term often used for valve lifter.

Cam Ground

Pistons machined to a slightly out-of round shape to permit them to expand with engine heat without getting stuck against the cylinder walls.

Cam Lift

The distance, in thousandths of an inch, a cam lobe raises the valve lifter off the base circle.

Cam Lobe

A raised portion of a camshaft that actuates an intake or exhaust valve. The lobe's profile will determine how much the valve opens (lift), as well as how long it remains open (duration) and the speed at which it opens and closes.

Cam Sensor

A camshaft-mounted sensor that signals when cylinder number one is at TDC.

CAM-AM

An acronym for Canadian American Challenge Cup.