Most of us learned by doing, either for ourselves and/or others. If you want a little education, call someone about a custom cam for your engine and car. Racer Brown, Isky and others guys here can recommend. They will start with what gas do you want to run? What car, how much does it weigh, intended usage, gear ratio in the rear, standard or automatic transmission? Then you get into the engine: cubic inches; head castings; compression ratio; carb; exhaust? And I'm sure I'm missing something... There are drag racers, street strip, autocross, and street, and they are all different.