Degreeing in a cam
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
Degreeing in a cam
Just some general questions here.
1) Is it really all that beneficial to degree in a cam?
2) If I install a 941 cam and retard it just a little to bring down the power band, will it hurt overall performance?
3) Am I putting too much thought into this?
1) Is it really all that beneficial to degree in a cam?
2) If I install a 941 cam and retard it just a little to bring down the power band, will it hurt overall performance?
3) Am I putting too much thought into this?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
1. Probably not. I'd only degree it if I suspect the cam is defective / out of spec. Some people degree every cam they install. I see no reason to. Cams from a big company like Crane should be right on.
2. Probably. Cam manufacturers grind them a certain way for a reason. Just install it straight up.
3. Yes.
2. Probably. Cam manufacturers grind them a certain way for a reason. Just install it straight up.
3. Yes.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Evanston, WY
Originally Posted by rusty70f100
1. Probably not. I'd only degree it if I suspect the cam is defective / out of spec. Some people degree every cam they install. I see no reason to. Cams from a big company like Crane should be right on.
2. Probably. Cam manufacturers grind them a certain way for a reason. Just install it straight up.
3. Yes.
2. Probably. Cam manufacturers grind them a certain way for a reason. Just install it straight up.
3. Yes.
OK. I'll play the bad guy again.
1. Cams from big companies like Crane SHOULD be right on. What if it's 5 degrees off? It could make your engine a dog. I will degree every cam I install. It is easy, and doesn't take long at all. If you don't have the stuff, you can usually borrow it from someone who does. I want the peace of mind.
2. If you retard the cam you will give it better top end power at the expense of low end torque. If you advance the cam it is just the opposite. I would install that particular cam straight up. In fact, I would install most factory cams straight up.
3. No. You are thinking like a serious engine builder. If you demand the utmost performance from your engine you will not leave anything to chance, but will double check every detail.
-Scouder
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
Scouder, why did you have to say anything? 
What you are saying makes sense, though, and thank you to you, too. How does this cam act on take off? I know it'll be better than stock just because.
Is it possible to straddle the fence? I totally agree with Kurt but I do the same with you, also. I doubt I would notice a difference if the cam came from the factory a little off but it wouldn't hurt to take a little time to verify it. It's all about peace of mind. Any nuggets of knowledge about degreeing one in?
What you are saying makes sense, though, and thank you to you, too. How does this cam act on take off? I know it'll be better than stock just because. Is it possible to straddle the fence? I totally agree with Kurt but I do the same with you, also. I doubt I would notice a difference if the cam came from the factory a little off but it wouldn't hurt to take a little time to verify it. It's all about peace of mind. Any nuggets of knowledge about degreeing one in?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Evanston, WY
I think comp cams and crane both have sections on degreeing on their websites. It is very straightforward. As stated by Kurt, your cam will probably be right from the factory, but If you are the type that worries about stuff like that, then you don't have a choice. Better to spend 30 min now, than worry about it later.
-Scouder
-Scouder
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
I have to agree with scoot....Or once again..I'am thinking to much on the HiPo side of things.....Even tho the Cam grinding machine runs off a profile...as that grinding wheel wears...and if the operator is not on top of his machining (bad night out with Greg)
You would be just fooling yourself.... And also when you take into consideration all the Tolerences of the timing chain..rod bearing tolerences...valve train tolerences...it all adds up at cam timing.... I have degreed cams from comp..and Isky..and Melling being the worst...up to + - 2* off...and that to me..make one heck of a difference..
Just my .02 cents...for whatever its worth..I'll wait for change!! LOL!!
Russ
You would be just fooling yourself.... And also when you take into consideration all the Tolerences of the timing chain..rod bearing tolerences...valve train tolerences...it all adds up at cam timing.... I have degreed cams from comp..and Isky..and Melling being the worst...up to + - 2* off...and that to me..make one heck of a difference..
Just my .02 cents...for whatever its worth..I'll wait for change!! LOL!!
Russ
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Posting Guru
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From: Evanston, WY
My Cam Research custom roller degreed out 5* advanced. It isn't necessarily the cam either. It could be a combination of everything from the keyway in the crank on up. I adjusted 5* and all is well, but if I hadn't checked I'd be running a 101 intake centerline instead of 106.
-Scouder
-Scouder
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Keep in mind also that many of the Cam manufacturers (Comp in paticular) grind the typical 4* advance into the cam to enhace low end performance. But it is still best to use a degree wheel and verify that the cam as installed in your engine is on the correct centerline.
