To advance or Not

billsdartgt said

Check with Comp, a lot of their cams are ground with 4 degrees advance so straight up would be ok IMO, in Comp Cams install instructions it actually says its ok not to degree the cam but it is highly recommended, they also state to use the intake centerline method, but as others have stated it should be done to know where it is, how much difference you will see has to many variables to say for sure IMO but if you don't degree and aren't getting the performance you expected you will always wonder if it is an issue.

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This is only true of you trust there is zero tolerance stack up.

If Comp (or any cam grinder) puts 4 degrees advance on the cam (or maybe they put it 2 ahead or 6...the number doesn't matter) there is a very good possibility the cam lobe is where it should be.

But, the key way may be off on the cam gear. Or the crank gear. Or the crank itself.

And it happens. A lot. And even the cam grinder can miss.

I almost never use a cam off the shelf. When I order a cam I tell them NOT to add any advance to the cam. I put it where I want it, and don't need that added to it.

But that's just me.