PikaPhantom
Well-Known Member
hello everybody, i have a camshaft that i am planning on reusing for a 318. I'm just wondering if there is need to degree it as you would a brand new camshaft.
thank you
thank you
1970 Dodge Dart Camshaft
- Thread starter PikaPhantom
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yellow rose
Overnight Sensation
Absolutely. Never ever install a cam without degreeing it in. There is no excuse not to.
nm9stheham
Well-Known Member
If you can, I sure would. If the chain is reused, you'll know how much it has stretched and retarded timing.
AJ/FormS
68 Formua-S fastback clone 367/A833/GVod/3.55s
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It's actually pretty important on an 8/1 engine. On a 318, the difference of 4 degrees might only mean 4 to 5psi cylinder pressure. But the difference in low-rpm performance can be over 5.5%.
Again 5.5% doesn't sound like a lot, but it is the equivalent of one rear gear size, say from 2.76s to 2.94s. And if you've ever done the swap, you would know how significant that is.
Another way to look at it is, as an increase in stall-torque, of 5.5% plus. Again this does not sound like much at stall speed, maybe 4 horsepower, but at peak power it could be as much as double. Where you gonna get 8 horsepower for the time it costs to make the cam-timing right? That's almost half of what a 4bbl carb might make.
To put this into perspective, say you didn't degree the cam and did install a 4bbl carb. for a potential of plus 20hp. But the cam went in 4* retarded so you only realized plus 14 hp. You couldda had plus 8hp with a properly timed cam. So how much did the 4bbl system set you back for the additional 6 hp? Now yur getting it.
Now, this is not exactly how it works, but the point is the same, take the time and put the cam where it needs to be.
Again 5.5% doesn't sound like a lot, but it is the equivalent of one rear gear size, say from 2.76s to 2.94s. And if you've ever done the swap, you would know how significant that is.
Another way to look at it is, as an increase in stall-torque, of 5.5% plus. Again this does not sound like much at stall speed, maybe 4 horsepower, but at peak power it could be as much as double. Where you gonna get 8 horsepower for the time it costs to make the cam-timing right? That's almost half of what a 4bbl carb might make.
To put this into perspective, say you didn't degree the cam and did install a 4bbl carb. for a potential of plus 20hp. But the cam went in 4* retarded so you only realized plus 14 hp. You couldda had plus 8hp with a properly timed cam. So how much did the 4bbl system set you back for the additional 6 hp? Now yur getting it.
Now, this is not exactly how it works, but the point is the same, take the time and put the cam where it needs to be.
nm9stheham
Well-Known Member
If the cost of the degree wheel is any issue, then here is one you can print and paste to posterboard. Cut the center hole with accuracy and care and it will work well.
The Machinery Cleanery Universal Timing Disc, Degree Wheel, Downloadable - Goniometro per Messa in Fase dei Motori a 4 Tempi -
Oh, and you DID keep the lifters in the exact order of where they came from? You can't swap any lifters around or the odds are very high a cam lobe or 2 will be eaten up in short order.
The Machinery Cleanery Universal Timing Disc, Degree Wheel, Downloadable - Goniometro per Messa in Fase dei Motori a 4 Tempi -
Oh, and you DID keep the lifters in the exact order of where they came from? You can't swap any lifters around or the odds are very high a cam lobe or 2 will be eaten up in short order.
furrystump
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I would always degree it and I would seriously look at changing the timing chain. Not knowing the rest of the build I would still put a quality set in.
AJ/FormS
68 Formua-S fastback clone 367/A833/GVod/3.55s
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Hey, I'll tell you guys something funny;
Many many many years ago, I was broke as could be, but I was the proud owner of a good used set of 340 chain and sprockets. When I installed it on my 318, it was so baggy, the only way to get the dots to line up remotely close was to advance it one whole entire tooth. So I did that. That old 318 was about the strongest running teener I ever had,lol.I think that was about 1975. I woulda been 22 that summer.
Many many many years ago, I was broke as could be, but I was the proud owner of a good used set of 340 chain and sprockets. When I installed it on my 318, it was so baggy, the only way to get the dots to line up remotely close was to advance it one whole entire tooth. So I did that. That old 318 was about the strongest running teener I ever had,lol.I think that was about 1975. I woulda been 22 that summer.
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