For years, a persistent myth has circulated in the tuning world: “Camshafts don’t make a difference on turbocharged engines.”
STK Performance has set out to disprove that belief — and has succeeded. With the release of the 252/262H Turbo Camshaft Set, the brand has demonstrated clear, repeatable performance gains backed by real-world dyno testing. These results confirm what experienced engine builders already know: turbocharged engines benefit significantly from optimized camshaft profiles.
Why Turbo Engines Absolutely Benefit from Camshaft Upgrades
A turbocharger forces additional air into the engine, but airflow efficiency still depends on how effectively the valves open and close. Valve timing, lift, and duration all play a critical role in cylinder filling and exhaust evacuation.
Factory camshafts prioritize fuel economy, emissions, and smooth operation. They are not designed for aggressive performance. Turbo-focused camshafts, however, reshape the engine’s breathing characteristics to unlock unused potential.
Key reasons upgraded cams improve turbocharged engines:
1. Reduced Backpressure for Faster, Cleaner Exhaust Flow
OEM cams often restrict exhaust flow, creating pressure buildup that slows turbo spool. Turbo-specific performance cams improve exhaust scavenging, helping the turbo reach its optimal boost threshold quicker and with less effort.
2. Improved Cylinder Filling – More Air, More Fuel, More Power
Even under boost, airflow is limited by how efficiently the valves can feed the combustion chamber. Performance camshafts increase valve lift and duration, allowing more air-fuel mixture to enter the cylinders each cycle. The result is a substantial increase in power without requiring additional boost pressure.
3. Enhanced Midrange and Top-End Performance
Standard camshafts typically fall off at higher RPMs, restricting performance where turbo engines can excel. The STK 252/262H cam profiles are engineered to broaden the powerband, delivering:
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Earlier turbo response
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Stronger midrange torque
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Sustained top-end horsepower
This provides a noticeable improvement in drivability and overall engine performance.
Proven Results – Dyno Gains Across the Entire Curve
Extensive dyno testing of the STK Performance 252/262H Turbo Camshaft Set shows measurable improvements in:
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Peak horsepower
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Peak torque
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Midrange power
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High-RPM performance
Importantly, the gains are not limited to a single point. They extend throughout the rev range, confirming that a properly designed turbo camshaft enhances airflow consistently rather than providing a short-lived spike.
Why Boost Pressure Isn't the Full Story
Many enthusiasts focus solely on increasing boost, but boost pressure is only a measure of resistance — not airflow volume. A restrictive engine can run high boost while delivering less real airflow than an efficient one running lower boost.
Upgraded camshafts improve the engine’s breathing efficiency, allowing:
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Higher airflow per PSI
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Reduced turbo strain
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Lower exhaust gas temperatures
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More reliable, sustainable power
This means the engine works smarter, not harder, achieving better performance without unnecessary pressure increases.
The Final Word
Turbocharged engines do respond to camshaft upgrades. The belief that “boost does all the work” overlooks the essential role of airflow management inside the cylinder head.
With a properly engineered camshaft — designed specifically for turbocharged applications — the engine can achieve:
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Improved airflow
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Faster spool
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A wider, stronger powerband
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Proven dyno-verified gains
STK Performance develops camshafts using real testing and real data, ensuring each profile delivers measurable improvements. The results from the 252/262H Turbo Camshaft Set speak for themselves: turbo engines gain power, torque, and responsiveness when equipped with the right camshafts.
