Description:
The factory cam profiles in the Ford Barra DOHC 6-cylinder engine are conservative by design — short in duration and lacking in lift, which restricts breathing and demands high boost to make power. The Atomic Performance Camshaft range (Stage 1 through 5+) is designed to unlock the true potential of your Barra by improving airflow, turbine efficiency, and cylinder filling at every engine cycle.

With over a decade of development behind them, our cams are built for real power. From mild street to full-race, Atomic camshafts have proven to deliver 30–50kW gains at the same boost level after tuning, and over 1100RWKW in extreme builds with Stage 5Plus cams. Whether you’re chasing 350RWKW or 1000+, we have a cam profile to suit your requirements.

Camshaft Profile Summary

Understanding Timing Wheels

These charts provide a circular view of the valve events relative to the crankshaft rotation:

• 0° (Top / 12 o'clock): Top Dead Center (TDC).
• 180° (Bottom / 6 o'clock): Bottom Dead Center (BDC).
• Blue Arc: Intake Valve Duration.
• Red Arc: Exhaust Valve Duration.
• Overlap: Look at the 12 o'clock position.
  • If the Red and Blue bars cross each other, you have Positive Overlap (e.g., Cam 306552).
  • If there is a gap between them, you have Negative Overlap (e.g., Cam 306550).

1. 112° LSA Timing Wheels

This set includes all four profiles (306550, 306551, 306553, 306552). Notice how the gap at the top closes and eventually overlaps as you move from the mild 306550 to the aggressive 306552.

2. 114° LSA Timing Wheels

Widening the LSA shifts the Intake (Blue) slightly clockwise (opening later) and the Exhaust (Red) slightly counter-clockwise (opening earlier), reducing the overlap potential.

3. 116° LSA Timing Wheels

This setting shows the largest gaps at the 12 o'clock position (least overlap), which correlates to the smoothest idle and highest vacuum.

✅ Key Features:

• Suits all Ford Barra DOHC 4.0L 6-cylinder engines (BA–FGX)
• Stage 1 to Stage 5+ profiles available for street, strip, and race
• Designed to enhance breathing and reduce required boost
• “Duo Phased” inlet lobes introduce swirl for better cylinder fill & efficiency
• Inverted flank asymmetrical lobes – rapid valve lift without excessive lift height
• Slightly reduced base circle for improved lifter preload control
• Compatible with VCT and standalone ECUs (VCT-delete optional)
• Developed and tested in-house since 2006 — proven track record
• Used in builds producing 570–1133RWKW

🛠️ Why Choose Atomic Cams?

• Harness residual exhaust gas energy to spool turbos more efficiently
• Increase cylinder filling efficiency with better valve timing events
• Maintain idle vacuum with minimal lope (Stage 3 & 4); aggressive idle (4Plus & 5Plus)
• Gain more power at lower boost – up to 50kW at the same boost after tuning
• Designed to retain valvetrain stability at high RPM
• Pair perfectly with Atomic HD valve springs, retainers & lifters

📦 What’s Included

🔧 Installation Overview

• Remove turbo ducting and rocker cover
• Align timing marks, remove VCT units, mark and remove cams
• Compare camshaft trigger positions and journal diameters
• Check lifter preload, roller follower wear, and spring tension
• Fit cams with engine oil, reset tensioner, confirm timing mark alignment
• Rotate engine to verify timing
• Start engine and idle at 1000–1400 RPM for 10 minutes
• Ford lifters may take up to 45 minutes to fully bleed

⚠️ Important Notes

• Engine tuning required after installation to maximise performance
• Camshaft vacuum change may trigger a fault code prior to tuning — this is normal
• Ford hydraulic lifters may require extended bleeding time after first start
• All lifter preload must be manually checked during installation
• If in doubt — contact our tech support. We’re here to help.