Camshaft Installation Help

[306deranged]

Hey guys im confused on installing my cam in my 302 HO motor. A couple guys have told me i need a degree wheel, a couple said just put #1 at TDC and throw it in? I went and bought a degree wheel just in case but i still do not know where to start. The heads are off, and the motor is on a stand so any instructions or tips would be greatly appreciated!!! ((The cam is a comp xe270hr))).....Engine is (((1994 302 HO roller))) Thanks again!!!

 

[Teddyzee]

Here's one way:
http://www.camshaftinnovations.com/FTT_InstallingCam.htm

Dig around sbftech.com for more tips.

specifically, post 4 here:
http://sbftech.com/index.php/topic,23621.0.html

 

[306deranged]

Thanks buddy, im gonna try to get the top end finished tommorrow ill let you know how it goes...although i just realized i lost a freakin rocker arm nut!!! but its always something man

 

[whisperer]

Unless you want to install it advanced or retarded then set the degree wheel aside and install the cam at zero degrees. Comp Cams are generally dead nuts.
Be VERY careful if using a multi-key timing chain set about getting it correctly referenced to 0 deg.. It is fact that even good brands have mostly crappy markings. The keyway mark MUST correspond to the CORRECT tooth mark or it will be off.
Pay attention to the back side of the cam gear. There are 2 types of spacers on a SBF. One has the spacer cast into the back of the cam gear, and the other is a separate piece. Make sure that you have the right parts to end up with the right thrust.
It is acceptable to re-use roller lifters when changing a roller cam, but check them carefully! You don't want to re-use worn out parts. If they're good then drop them all in a container of ATF, work the plungers and let them sit while you do the rest of the job. Then pull them out and pump the ATF out of them and install them pouring a qt of your motor oil of choice over the cam lobes, thru the lifter bores, before you drop the lifters in.
Put the rest of the engine together but when you install the intake then pour another qt. of oil over the tops of the lifters in the valley.
You WILL turn the engine while installing the rest of the top end. So when installing the distributor you have a 1 in 2 shot while checking for #1 on the damper. You need to have the valve cover off to get this right and true #1 is when both of the rockers are up (the valves are closed) on #1 when the damper is at the #1 mark.


PRELUBE the engine by pulling all the plugs when you are ready to start the engine, and CRANK it over until it builds good oil pressure. Then stick the plugs in it and start the engine. Spinning a "preluber tool" in the distributor hole when the engine is stopped is just short of worthless IMHO.

 

[306deranged]

K thanks guys, i got the cam installed today, well the whole top end as well...one of my buddys who works on 302's alot and has a couple of foxbodys helped me out...what we did is with the heads off put piston 1 at tdc and put both timing gears and chain on with the 2 dots pointing toward each other and the little nipple on the end of the cam lined up with that gear. we had to tap a little on the crank because the little ridge on it was a little too high...he said its how he did all of his motors so i guess we will find out how it works, his dad kindof supervised and told me a degree wheel was useless pretty much and i didnt need it...i hope it works, although its gonna be a while cuz i still have to get a tranny....do you guys know if i can use the stock distributor with a 6al...like if you look down into it theres only two wires that goes out and becomes the plug with like 6 or 7 wires attatched....but if u cut where its till 2 wires and run it out the side wont that work with the 6al???