Ed "Isky" Iskenderian: The Life and Legacy of the Camfather (1921–2026)
Edward "Isky" Iskenderian lived a life that mirrored the American dream of innovation and perseverance.
Ed’s parents immigrated from Armenia, and Ed was born on July 10, 1921, near the grape fields of Tulare County, California. The Iskenderian family relocated to Los Angeles around 1922, where young Ed's fascination with mechanics took root amid the burgeoning hot rod scene.
In 1935, Ed was 14 and venturing to what is now Edwards Air Force Base to absorb knowledge from fellow enthusiasts, learning tricks of the trade that would define his future. Ed's early tinkering led him to build a customized Ford Model T, incorporating an overhead camshaft conversion kit from the Chevrolet brothers' "Fronty" design and a multi-flathead cylinder head by George Riley, proving his knack for pushing mechanical boundaries.
Ed dove into dry lakes racing at places like El Mirage with the Southern California Timing Association. He formed pivotal friendships with camshaft pioneers like Ed Winfield, who mentored him extensively, and Clay Smith, whose delays in delivering a custom dual-pattern cam inspired Ed to enter the business himself.
When the U.S. entered the war, Ed enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He flew critical supply missions across the Pacific Theater, shuttling troops and materials in support of the Allied effort. Though he aspired to be a fighter pilot, he often quipped that he "wasn't handsome enough," showcasing the self-deprecating humor that endeared him to many. His time in the service honed his technical skills on aircraft engines, providing invaluable insights into high-performance dynamics that he later applied to automotive engineering.
Returning to California after the war, Ed was frustrated by a five-month wait for a camshaft from existing grinders, so Isky decided to build his own.
In 1946, he founded Isky Racing Cams in a modest shop in Culver City, starting with a single homemade cam-grinding machine he adapted from a second-hand cylindrical grinder. Ed’s venture quickly grew into a cornerstone of the performance aftermarket, relocating to Gardena and becoming synonymous with speed.
Ed revolutionized camshaft design. Isky…
- Was the first to introduce hard-facing overlays on cams to enhance durability.
- Was the creator of the industry's first hydraulic lifter-compatible camshafts.
- Was the first to use computers, in the late 1950s, for cam profiling.
- Pioneered the idea of selling coordinated cam and valve-train kits.
Ed’s high-performance roller lifters, Vasco Jet 1000 valve springs, and complete valvetrain kits powered everything from land speed record setters at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where his 404 radius cam helped break the 200 mph barrier in a flathead, to Indy cars and Top Fuel dragsters. Notably, his cams achieved groundbreaking power outputs, like 1 horsepower per cubic inch in postwar OHV V-8 Dodge Hemis and 1.3 hp per cubic inch in 283 Chevy V-8s, all on gasoline.
Ed's business acumen extended beyond engineering. He forged early sponsorships, such as with drag racing legend Don Garlits, predating major deals by over a decade.
Ed was a co-founder and first president of SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Market Association, 1963). He united racers, builders, and manufacturers, giving the aftermarket a national platform.
Ed's marketing savvy—paired with brilliant designs—brought high-performance thrills to garage builders everywhere. Ed’s Isky T-shirts became staples at '50s and '60s drag events. Friends and fans nicknamed "The Camfather" for his influence on hot rodding. Chevrolet honored him as one of their "Legends of Performance."
Beyond the metal and the specs, Ed was beloved for his character. He was the man with the trademark cigar and the slide rule, and was always ready with a self-deprecating joke.
Ed was a man of unyielding curiosity. His insatiable interest in technology led him to build machines from scratch and explore advanced metallurgy. He remained active in the industry well into his centenarian years, sharing wisdom at events like the Engine Masters Challenge and inspiring generations.
Ed Iskenderian passed away on February 4, 2026, at 104, leaving an indelible legacy.
Ed and Alice married in 1947, beginning a partnership that lasted until her passing in 2024. Together, they raised three children—Richard, Timothy, and Amy—and welcomed eight grandchildren.
All of us at Gennie Shifter are indebted to Ed and those like him who paved the way for of us.