You know A5, I played with the idea, but had a new Comp timing set sitting around, so we gave it a shot. The cost difference between the two sets was about $20 and the difference was amazing. Now, note, the "other" brand is fairly well known as a stock replacement. We went through the whole process again, with the timing set placed "straight up". After the whole process we ended up .5 degrees advanced.
Now, I rarely try to degree the camshaft and wonder how many engines I've built where it was way off. Honestly, looking back, it might explain the unimpressive torque in my Dodge. Note to self....ALWAYS degree and pay the extra to get a well known name brand.
Another issue we ran into was the cam pin. The one Ford supplied, barely protruded into the cam gear. We didn't notice it until we pulled the first timing set, but it was close enough to the end that the gear would likely spin eventually. It could be that "Johnny" got off early that day and drilled my cam at the end of his shift, but it was still a concern. Now I know that many of the centrics used to work the pumps will have a tab that inserts into the hole, but even that would not have prevented the possible slippage.
Now, I rarely try to degree the camshaft and wonder how many engines I've built where it was way off. Honestly, looking back, it might explain the unimpressive torque in my Dodge. Note to self....ALWAYS degree and pay the extra to get a well known name brand.
Another issue we ran into was the cam pin. The one Ford supplied, barely protruded into the cam gear. We didn't notice it until we pulled the first timing set, but it was close enough to the end that the gear would likely spin eventually. It could be that "Johnny" got off early that day and drilled my cam at the end of his shift, but it was still a concern. Now I know that many of the centrics used to work the pumps will have a tab that inserts into the hole, but even that would not have prevented the possible slippage.