[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by Cliff R

+2

I figured that out quite a few pages ago, but still kept trying to help.

Degreeing a camshaft is simple, no need to make it complicated. Most novice/inexperienced engine "builders" get into trouble with multiple keyway timing sets because they are either not very accurate or the directions are flawed, or a little of both. The 3-keyway variety with the cast iron sprockets are junk right to start with. I wouldn't let one within 20' of any Engine I was building.......you can watch one stretch out if you stare at it long enough!

Seriously, when using stock cams, Melling in particular, they are very accurate and if you are using a stock type Melling or Cloyes timing set and set it dot to dot it's unlikely you'll need to move it around at all. For Engine builds like this one there is absolutely no need to do much more than put a 3/4" wide stock timing set on it, dot to dot, and move on. At most I'd turn the engine through and watch the #1 intake lifter to make sure it starts moving a few degrees BTDC. That's close enough and good enough for this type of build.

I'd be 100,000 times more worried about having 7 pistons facing the WRONG direction and wondering even more about connecting rod orientation as well. Assuming all the pistons were pressed on the rods correctly you can't end up with one facing the right direction and seven the wrong way without a connecting rod or two in backwards. This potential issue would be at the TOP of my list of things to correct while the engine was out instead of knurling valve guides and Googling cam installation to the brink of extinction when all I needed to do at most was install a stock timing set, maybe a 2-degree offset key on the cam sprocket, and keep moving. I say this because every single "RAIV" cam I've installed with a stock timing set dot to dot has been within 1 degree of 112 ICL and the intake open point .050" a few degrees BTDC.

Not trying to be overly critical here, but with this type of build, (basically a back-yard "special" with the emphasis on just getting it done on a shoestring budget), I'd want it as good as I could get it without spending money or time in areas that don't need it. Plus, we've got enough compression here, too much quench, and hot climate that advancing the cam could bring more negatives into the equation that just leaving it in the stock position........FWIW........

Your reply: "Plus, we've got enough compression here, too much quench, and hot climate that advancing the cam could bring more negatives into the equation that just leaving it in the stock position"

Mikes Ans: "This is why I have decided to pull the extra timing out of this Cam/particular build. But I also needed to replace the Harmonic Balancer and rebuild the Heads, first, this is my priority, you must agree that before I rebuild the lower end, these current issues take precedent, please say I am right, so I can believe in you. The Pistons have been installed backwards since 1968 and for a reason that has been authenticated to function in race applications by your peers. The Pistons can hold out a little longer! I am not cheap nor am I working on a shoe string budget, instead I like to believe that I prioritize repairs and due to my lack of experience takes me longer than you. Keep in mind you made the same mistakes that I made first, correct? Let me mature in the automotive business in my own time. I don't like to do things twice. You said it yourself: " Don't be overly critical here". You have been a great help and I hope you continue to assist me.

The question is:" why do you people say "dot to dot" when that is a Chevy timing Gear installation procedure, "not" Pontiac. Are Pontiac Timing Gears installed @ 12'-0'clock each with number one intake and Exhaust Valves in the closed/compression stroke position on TDC? You are confusing us. Between Timing an Ignition system with the Vacuum plugged off when tuning, these two important things to do are Offen misunderstood and I want to clarify that here with the truth, lot of misinformation going on in these forums.