How to install a cam?

[matador91]

I'm going to be installing my first cam this weekend and I have know idea what I'm doing. Could someone give me a rund down of exactly how to do this even down to degreing the cam if that's needed.

 

[Wallzy]

You're Doomed...

If you have no idea what you are doing, this is a journey you may not want to embark on without someone to guide you, there are too many things that could turn this into an "Epic Fail"

 

[matador91]

It's not that I have know idea, I just need to know is there a site that gives a run down of this. Really all I need to know is how to degree it, installing it is no big deal for me.

 

[1991notchbackLX]

for some reason degreeing a cam is like secret magical voodoo amongst engine builders in the know, and it's bad juju for them to tell you how to do it clearly and properly... in a nutshell it involves a piston stop, a degree wheel, and a dial indicator with a magnetic base, there are a few methods but the intake centerline method is generally the easiest...

i'd suggest calling comp cams... they sell a dvd that explains the process in depth and walks you through it

read up on the web and don't be afraid to ask for help, but be prepared for 20 different answers from 20 different guys

Cam Degreeing

Tools:
Degree Wheels : Cam Degree Wheel : Camshaft Degree Wheel : Racing Cam Degree Wheels

by the way... i have the comp cams dvd if you can't find it, PM me and i'll send it your way

 

[matador91]

Thanks, I appreciate the info!

 

[loudexhaust]

All I did was carefully slide the new one in after applying liberal amounts of lube and lined the timing gears up dot to dot. Didn't think there was much else to it but I guess not?

 

[1991notchbackLX]

depending on the cam, most off the shelf cams are fine to be lined up "dot-to-dot," but i wouldn't ever install a cam without having it degreed just for the peace of mind... you'll also want to use dial indicator the to check your camshaft endplay, which is pretty damn important

 

[Mustang5L5]

Which cam are you installing? What is your combo?

Depending on what you have, you could just do a "dot-to-dot" setup and call it a day. Not ideal...but will still work fine.

 

[matador91]

my combo is 331, AFM B-41 cam, AFR185 heads. If you need any more info just let me know.