A Motor Question

Valve train components are normally assembled using a spring compressor to depress the spring so the valve locks will fit into the retainer and slip into the grooves on the valve. The lifters go into the 16 holes in the block, then the heads get bolted on and the pushrods and rockers get bolted on and lifter pre-load is set. That's it in the simplest terms I know however, it requires the skill of a mechanic to do it right. As for degreeing a cam, all that does is insure the correct phasing of the cam in relation to the crank...sloppy or cheap timing chains can upset this phasing. Comp Cams expains the topic on thier web site. I degreed mine when I advanced my cam timing using a degree wheel and a dial indicator.