COMP Cams Camshaft Installation and Degreeing Procedure - Manual (Page 2)

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COMP Cams®
3406 Democrat Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: (901) 795-2400 Fax: (901) 366-1807
www.compcams.com
Part #145
Revised 5/4/12
distributor gear with a new camshaft could result in severe engine damage. On flat tappet cams,
it is critical that the old lifters be properly disposed of and new COMP Cams® lifters installed.
Your camshaft warranty will be voided if old flat tappet lifters are used. With roller cams, roller
lifters may be re-used. Inspect them thoroughly; look for any looseness in the wheels and
excessive wear on the lifter body.
5. Remove your new COMP Cams® camshaft from its packaging. Inspect all lobes and the
distributor gear, making sure the camshaft was not damaged in shipment. Next, compare the
stamped numbers on the end of the cam with the spec card to make sure this is the correct cam.
It is a good idea at this point to lightly wire brush the distributor gear with mineral spirits or an
equivalent solvent. Remember, during the installation process, the cleaner you make your new
components, the better chance you have of avoiding failure. Using COMP Cams® Cam &
Lifter Installation Lube (Part #103) supplied with your cam, coat all lobes and the distributor
gear. It is important to coat the lobes completely, yet not excessively. This same rule applies to
the distributor gear and fuel pump lobe. Coat the cam bearing journals with conventional SAE
30 or 40 wt. oil.
6. We recommend you install a new COMP Cams timing chain and gear set for two very
important reasons. First, the old chain is likely to be stretched beyond its service limits. Second,
the factory timing set may be machined to retard cam timing. Either of these conditions will
detract from the performance that your COMP Cams camshaft is designed to deliver.
Temporarily install the cam sprocket on the camshaft. The sprocket will again serve as a handle
to help “roll” the cam into its bearings. Carefully slide the camshaft into the engine, oiling the
bearing journals as it slides into the block. Excessive force is not necessary to install the cam.
Take your time. Be careful not to scar the cam or cam bearings and try not to wipe away any of
the assembly lube as the cam is installed. Once the cam is in, remove the cam sprocket. If the
engine is equipped with a camshaft retaining plate, it should be installed at this time. Refer to
the engine manual for the proper torque specifications for the retaining plate bolt.
7. Install the new crankshaft sprocket on the snout of the crank. It is recommended to use a
Crankshaft Timing Sprocket Installation Tool (Part #4789) for all applications that have an
interference fit crank sprocket. If the new camshaft being installed is a hydraulic or solid roller
lifter cam, now is the time to check camshaft endplay. For instructions on how to do so, see
“Checking Camshaft Endplay” section in this booklet. If the new camshaft being installed is a
hydraulic or solid flat tappet cam, this step is not necessary. Flat tappet cams have taper ground
into their lobes, which pushes the cam into the proper position and holds it there while the
engine is running. Checking endplay is also unnecessary in engines equipped with cam
retaining plates, whether the cam used is a flat tappet or roller.
Should you degree your new cam?
It isn’t absolutely necessary to degree the cam for the engine to run efficiently. COMP Cams grinds most
of its High Energy™, Magnum, and Xtreme Energy™ Cams four degrees advanced. This positions the
camshaft for the best street performance. However, to assure maximum performance it is recommended to
degree the cam. The purpose of degreeing a camshaft is to correct the errors and tolerances in the machining
processes of the engine that can affect camshaft timing. COMP Cams suggests the intake centerline method
as the most simple, quick, and efficient way to degree a new camshaft. Instructions for degreeing can be
found later in this booklet.