Cam Timing Without Dial Indicator

[choco 0]

Hi,

 

Just a quicky. How accurate is setting the timing of the cams with the "pin in hole" method? I have a vernier on my inlet for my catcam 526, and read somewhere on this forum it should be around 108 degrees to get a better power distribution. I'm absolutely sh#t at dialing it in, takes me a full day to get it somewhere close to right. Could i use a nr 2 pulley, put in the pin and lock the cam with a piece of paper between the cam and bearing cap and assume i have 114 degrees? Then put on the vernier, and mark it. Then put a degree wheel on the crank and advance it to 108 degrees, by advancing it 16 degrees on the crank?

Edited July 9, 2013 by choco

[petert 586]

Without a dial indicator you have little chance of getting in the correct position, especially with a new cam. When grinding a new cam, there is no guarantee that the lobe centre line will match the key way position of a std cam. It's all in the hands of the guy doing the grinding. Even if you use a #2 pulley, you may be anywhere from 112 to 116 deg., if you know what I mean.

 

Use a #2 to set it up initially, so at least you're in the right zone and won't bend a valve. Then carefully remove the #2 and fit the vernier pulley. Get someone to hold the cam with a spanner so it doesn't spring back.

 

Using the LCL method is very difficult with the engine in the car. Ask Catcams for the lift @ TDC figure that corresponds to a 108 deg LCL.

[choco 0]

Thank you for your explaination! I've got the head off, so it might make things a little easier. According to catcams the timing should be set at 114 degrees (http://www.catcams.com/products/camshafts/datasheet.aspx?ENGINE_id=123&CAMSETUP_id=350) I don't know if i should stick with this, maybe they moved the lobes slightly, or advance it a little to get the powerband down?

[welshpug 1,657]

I'd just buy a dial gauge.

 

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cm220-dial-test-indicator?da=1&TC=SRC-dial+gauge

 

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/et114-magnetic-base-push-onoff

[petert 586]

114 deg is gay.

[choco 0]

I have a dial gauge. My question was if i should dial it in at 108 degrees or 114 like catcams site states.

[petert 586]

Neither. I'd fit it at 109º.

[choco 0]

Thanks Peter.