new cam and rocker assembly installation

[miketyler]

Am about ready to install my new MP 340 cam. Anything I should know about this? Assume the usual white lithium grease on journals and dist gear and break in oil on the lobes and tappets? Anything else that might prove helpful? I have heard of letting the lifters soak in oil overnight - is that a good idea? What about the rocker shafts torque? I know I will need to have the engine timed up correct w/timing chain installed before setting and torquing them. Anything to watch out for there?

[Chryco Psycho]

I always degree in cams when I install them , I feel it is a must do
you do not need to soak the lifters , but it will not hurt either
Shafts torque to 25 ft lbs
measure the preload on the lifter , measure between the retainer clip & the inner piston , you want .020-.050 if you have more or less you will need different pushrods
 fil the carb , set the timing & try to start it immediatly & run it at 1800 RPM for 20-30 mins to break it in

[miketyler]

Ive read about degreeing a cam but have never done it. Isnt the cams relationship with the crankshaft fixed via the timing chain?   

[gomangoRT/SE]

i like the idea of soaking the lifters previously myself.....and put a good timing chain on the car.......a true roller chain.........  Degreeing the camshaft is fine if your looking for precise performance when you want the ability to change your timing characteristics........just make sure your on top dead center at the proper piston location when you align the marks

[Chryco Psycho]

in Theory yes , but what if the timing chain has the hole fore the dowel drilled a degree or 2 off or the hole in the chain is off or the alignment mark is stamped in the wrong place
I always dial in cams as I have seen cams off by as much as 13* with the cam & chain installed correctly , 12* is 1 tooth out

[miketyler]

in Theory yes , but what if the timing chain has the hole fore the dowel drilled a degree or 2 off or the hole in the chain is off or the alignment mark is stamped in the wrong place

OK, I see how you could get some derivations from different manufacturers products but how could you compensate or correct such issues? Is that where you would use an offset cam or crank key? 

[Chryco Psycho]

yes , depending on the syle of cam you need a offset bushing or key to correct the cam position