adjustable timing chain

[motocrossed733]

So I got the trickflow top end kit, comes with tfs adjustable timing chain set, I am a little confused on where the best setting would be I have the option of 4 degree advancement or retarding, or the original setting, Can some body explain what my car will do either way, how it will sound? which is better, would retarding the timing be more for a blower? thanks

 

[pony502]

I'v always set them at the zero marks when assembling engines to avoid any problems down the road. Not really quite sure what it will do if you advance or retard at the timing chain. Never really wanted to try and figure it out

 

[motocrossed733]

That is exactly my original plan I just keep looking at the adjustments and the wheels are turning, All I need to do is ram my new forged pistons into my new aluminum heads. lol.

 

[strtrcr50]

Do you plan on degreeing your cam?

Degreeing the Camshaft

What is Meant by Degreeing the Camshaft, and Why is it Necessary?

The term "Degreeing In Your Camshaft" means you are making sure the camshaft's position in the engine coincides with that of the crankshaft, so that their rotation is synchronized. This is the only way you will know if the rise and fall of the pistons properly matches the opening and closing of the valves, so the engine will run properly. A few degrees of misalignment can affect the engine's operation dramatically.

If the circumstances were perfect, one would only need to line up the marks on the timing chain sprockets and the cam would be degreed. In reality, you are dealing with a group of components (the camshaft, crankshaft, timing chain, and sprockets), all with their own standards and tolerances. If these tolerances stack up against you, it could throw you out of alignment. Without degreeing the cam you can never be sure that the parts are in correct position. If you have the tools and expertise, we always recommend that the camshaft's position in the engine be degreed in.

article continues here with instructions on how to properly degree a cam.
If the cam were 100% on when lined up dot to dot, advancing and retarding the cam will move the powerband around. A lot of people use the adjustables to get the cam dialed in.

What Can You Do If Your Camshaft is Off Of Location and Needs Correction?

There are several methods of adjusting the location of the camshaft to correct for misalignment. Most high performance timing chain sets have the lower crank sprocket machined with three or more keyways, allowing you to advance or retard the camshaft. There are also offset keys made for the crankshaft. Another popular method is offset eccentric timing bushings that can be installed in the upper camshaft sprocket to change the camshaft's position in relation to the sprocket on those camshafts that use a dowel pin for indexing. Use any of these methods, then degree the camshaft once again to be sure it is correct.

 

[strtrcr50]

All I need to do is ram my new forged pistons into my new aluminum heads. lol.

You ARE going to check clearances with clay aren't you?

 

[pony502]

I know about degreeing the cam but I even have never understood the concept. If you retard or advance the timing chain 3 degrees how exactly does the engine ever end up properly at TDC. I could see it if the increments were smaller but to make up only a couple thousnths of tolerance 3 degrees seem like way too much. Iwould be interested myself to better understand the how to's of degreeing the cam. Especailly seeing as I'v build around 12-15 engines and never have degreed a cam.

 

[strtrcr50]

To the best of my knowledge, some times the cams are cut slightly off, either advanced or retarded. If you think about 3 degrees out of 360 degrees, it's not very much.
That crane cams link I posted has a pretty good description. I am undecided as to whether I will degree mine or not.

 

[strtrcr50]

Here's another good instruction set from comp cams.
http://www.compcams.com/Technical/Instructions/Files/145.pdf

 

[strtrcr50]

And taken from the comp article:

Should you degree your new cam?
It isn’t absolutely necessary to degree the cam for the engine to run efficiently. COMP Cams® grinds most
of its High Energy, Magnum, and Xtreme Energy™ cams four degrees advanced. This positions the
camshaft for the best street performance. However, to assure maximum performance it is recommended to
degree the cam. The purpose of degreeing a camshaft is to correct the errors and tolerances in the machining
processes of the engine that can affect camshaft timing. COMP Cams® suggests the intake centerline
method as the most simple, quick, and efficient way to degree a new camshaft. Instructions for degreeing
can be found later in this booklet.

 

[pony502]

I don't disagree with you at all but if you turn the crank gear + or - 3 degrees it seems to me that you will be rotating the crank more than 3 actual degrees, know what I mean? Good info from comp cams though