Cam install question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Cam install question
Who really had to do a lot of work getting their new cam degreed or phased? It seems that these new cams are already very close, at least close enought not to have to change anything. I remember in the old days, a lot of detailed work had to be done to get an after market cam phased (or degreed).
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
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Most cams are damned near perfect.
The degree issue usuall comes from stacking tolerances. The cam, timing chain, cam sprocket, keyway in the crank sprocket, and the key machined into the crank can all be off slightly. This will affect cam timing.
Generally speaking, they are usually plus or minus 2 degrees from where they are supposed to be.
I once installed a tpis cam that was off 17 degrees. Since this one bit me in my azz, I degree every cam I install.
The degree issue usuall comes from stacking tolerances. The cam, timing chain, cam sprocket, keyway in the crank sprocket, and the key machined into the crank can all be off slightly. This will affect cam timing.
Generally speaking, they are usually plus or minus 2 degrees from where they are supposed to be.
I once installed a tpis cam that was off 17 degrees. Since this one bit me in my azz, I degree every cam I install.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 250
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When using a piston stop that screws into the spark-plug hole use a lot of caution. They work fine but you need to turn the engine over slowly by hand. Don't even consider bumping the starter over. This is correct anytime but especially with aluminum heads that have plug threads that can be damaged fairly easily.
You All Take Care and Be Safe, -John
You All Take Care and Be Safe, -John
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Thanks. I'm getting ready to help my son install a cam in his 305 Camaro, valve springs and all. I haven't done one in many years. Reading his GM Shop Manual, they don't even mention degreeing the cam for a replacement procedure?! This is practice for my cam upgrade. 
