Newbie engine performance questions

[Deft]

Hey guys i'm need information on engine performance parts and their functions. I don't wanna just put something in my car and say ooh i have wutever and when ppl ask what does it do, u just say it gives power. What i'm interested in is the how. can you tell me the purpose of the following parts?
headers
cams
And anything else that has to do with performance? exhaust? thanx guys!

[Hellspawn]

the search button works.

[Alex Mc]

Headers even out the flow of the exhaust.. one goal in header design is to make each runner the same length in order to balance the flow of each cylinder. Also the piping tends to be larger to increase that flow resulting in more power. This is the goal of every part of the exhaust system.. improve and tune flow to free up power.

Camshafts are the lungs of the motor, they determine how much and for how long the valves stay open. This decides how much air in ingested into the cylinder and how it is exhausted.. more air = more power, but too much air = less torque. Essentially.