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Author
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Topic: To degree or not to degree a cam?
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carsmetalsusa
Journeyman Posts: 8
From: Lemoyne,Pa.
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 04-30-2004 06:58 AM
   
I am building a 302 street motor for my 66 mustang. Naturally I want it to be snappy. I put a 270H comp cam kit in it and holley street avenger ect. I have a cam degree kit, is it worth it to degree the cam? Will I gain much?Thanks
Steve
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two89w
Gearhead Posts: 316
From: sydney australia
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 04-30-2004 08:04 AM
Now thats an interesting question.
I will be interested in the answers for this as my cam is installed straight up.
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JCQuinn@work
Gearhead Posts: 899
From: Lakewood, CO, USA
Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 04-30-2004 10:02 AM
How much it's worth to degree a cam is kind of like asking how big is big. The difference is totally dependant on many variables.The question of should it be done is much easier to answer. If you want the engine built right it must be done. Things like factory tolerances and line honeing can affect the cam timing. Unless you measure the cam timing you have no idea if it is installed retarded or advanced. My experience is that cams are never "straight up" when just bolted in. Aftermarket and even factory cams always need aligning. John
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wildfire466
unregistered
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posted 04-30-2004 10:46 AM
Friend of mine instaled a low cost timing chain set and the cam was off 5 degrees due to the chain set and not the cam. My 2c
Les ------------------
http://www.geocities.com/wildfire1mustang/
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bluestreek
Gearhead Posts: 1724
From: Athens,GA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 04-30-2004 12:45 PM
To do it right though, you have to get a timing set that allows you to make small changes. The average 3-way timing set will only let you change the cam 4 degrees, one way or the other.Dan
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cpmaverick
Gearhead Posts: 1666
From: Santa Clarita, CA
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 04-30-2004 01:36 PM
Yeah, if you 'degree' your cam it doesn't do anything. That is usually just a reference to measuring the cam's orientation. You do it to make sure the cam is where you think it ought to be. If you want it 'straight up', and you degree the cam, and it is, there is obviously no power gain because you didn't do anything.  But if you degree the cam and it is off, that gives you the opportunity to change it with an adjustable timing gear, or if you want to play with cam timing, you know exactly where you started.  ------------------
-Charlie Ping
1970 Maverick Grabber
[email protected] with AC and overdrive.
http://www.maverickgrabber.com
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Rustang
Gearhead Posts: 805
From: Clarion PA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 04-30-2004 02:54 PM
As part of putting a motor together, I liken it to checking bearing clearances. You don't have to do it, but you might regret it.------------------
'68 mustang 351 clevor- 10.92@124
'67 Stang, 351W -11.18@118
'69 351C Torino-14.90@100
'78 Pickup 351W-15.56@88
'79 Pickup 460 ET=??
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 755
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 04-30-2004 08:34 PM
Just for reference the Motorsport chain has 9 way adjustable in 2* increments crank gear. This is the only reason I changed my Summit chain. The Summit chain was only a 3 way crank gear. 4* changes are likely too much. When I degreed my cam though I wound up installing it straight up anyway, but at least I know where I'm at.B-loose
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jsracingbbf
Gearhead Posts: 2904
From: Batesville,MS. , U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 04-30-2004 10:10 PM
Comp makes a Dial-a-chain. name correct? I think that's what they call it. Anyway you can use it to get 1/2 degree increments. I have one and it works great.
JS
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carsmetalsusa
Journeyman Posts: 8
From: Lemoyne,Pa.
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 05-04-2004 02:14 PM
Thanks for the help guys, it,s nice to know when I have a question I can come here to get the answers.Thanks
Steve
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