You might have heard people talk of getting camshaft kits and camshaft packages to improve their engine performance. For those who have no clue what a camshaft is, you are in the right place. What Is an Engine Camshaft? Your engine has multiple parts that help in its performance. The camshaft is one of these components. Other important components are the intake and exhaust valves. Intake valves open to allow a mixture of air and fuel into the engine for combustion.