Best way to degree a cam

[BLK 68 R/T]

Hello all, getting ready to degree my new cam and was just wondering what the preferred method is? I tried a search on here but didn't come up with anything. Lots of info on the net and some prefer the installed center line and some go off of intake valve opening. Maybe the best way is to follow the manufacturers recomendation. Figured I would ask the experts and see what you do. 
Motor is a 440

[firefighter3931]

I've allways used the intake centerline method. 

Here is a good tutorial from Comp Cams. Scroll down to page 8 where the degreeing instructions start 

http://www.compcams.com/technical/instructions/files/145.pdf


Ron

[BLK 68 R/T]

I've allways used the intake centerline method. 

Here is a good tutorial from Comp Cams. Scroll down to page 8 where the degreeing instructions start 

http://www.compcams.com/technical/instructions/files/145.pdf


Ron

Thanks, Ron
My new cam is from Comp and it came with those exact instructions. Just trying to educate myself as much as possible before I dive into the process 

[BLK 68 R/T]

OK, cam card says install it on a 109 centerline. After measuring 2 times to make sure I got the same measurements each time I come up with an intake centerline of 110.5, so it's within 1.5 degrees of the cam card.

Wes

[firefighter3931]

OK, cam card says install it on a 109 centerline. After measuring 2 times to make sure I got the same measurements each time I come up with an intake centerline of 110.5, so it's within 1.5 degrees of the cam card.

Wes

Hi Wes,


Generally speaking ; a little more advanced is better than slightly retarded when it comes to cam timing....especially on a street car. 

Does your timing set have multiple keyways ?

Can you post the engine combination & cam specs ?


Ron

[BLK 68 R/T]

Hi Ron,

Here are the cam and motor specs.

Motor-The motor came with my car as a short block, built in the mid 90s by a local machine shop. I think it was built before stroker kits were common, hence the non standard bore and pistons that were installed. Trying to make the best of the short block I had to work with, below is the motor combination  

491 (440 with 4.15 stroke crank, 4.34 bore)
Forged aluminum flat top (no valve reliefs) pistons for a 400, pistons sit .047 in the hole.
stock 440 rods with new rod bolts
MLS .027 head gaskets
Stock 440 source aluminum heads - new springs, valve seals and retainers/locks
Hughes 1.5 ratio roller rockers, Hughes roller lifters
Smith brothers pushrods 3/8 .083 wall
Static compression comes out to 10.9
Retaining the stock HP manifolds as well with 2.5 in exhaust with dynomax ultra flo mufflers
FAST EZ-EFI for induction


The cam is a custom ground hyd roller cam from Comp. Specd out by Dwayne Porter, we spent quite a bit of time on the phone talking about my engine build and what my intentions were for the car. Based on what I wanted to do with the car and my combination of parts this is what he came up with.
232/238 int/exh duration at .050, duration at .006 is 282/288
.543/.546 int/exh total lift
LSA 113
ICL 109

Thanks again for your input, it is much appreciated  

Wes

Edit: my timing chain set is from pro gear and has 3 spots on the crank sprocket, 0 and 4 degrees either advanced or retarded.

[firefighter3931]

Thanks for the additional info Wes....that really helps 

Dwayne is top shelf when it comes to speccing parts that will work well together. I've used his expertise over the years and he has allways been spot on.   

Ok, this is a stroker with descent compression and the cam isn't overly big. Had this been a 440 stock stroke combination I would have recommended adjusting the cam timing from where it currently is. In this case the 110.5* ICL is fine. Leave it where it is and carry forward with the build. 


Ron

[BLK 68 R/T]

Will do! 

Thanks a bunch, Ron