I did NOT degree the cam shaft, for every 1 person who told me I should, I had another that told me it was unnecessary on a street engine. I was going to, until I realized how freaking complicated it was going to be.
Should have done it if for no other reason than verify it was installed at least close to or on spec. Anyone that told you not to bother doesn't care about doing things correctly. Maybe the cloyes chain is in worse shape from a degreeing aspect than the first one you had. You don't know, therefore, you can't rule out the cam being out a bunch.