How do I install a new camshaft?

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How do I install a new camshaft?

Editing Date：2025-07-29

Installation and Degreeing Procedure

Installing and adjusting (or "degreeing") the camshaft can be tricky. It can be done using either:

•	The theoretical centerline of the #1 intake lobe, or
•	The valve opening and closing events, based on a pre-determined amount of Lift (usually 0.050 in.).

The centerline method is not always reliable with Asymmetrical Lobe Profiles. For best accuracy, the following is a combination of methods.

What tools will I need?

•	Tools to assemble and adjust the valvetrain and timing set.
•	A Cam Degree Kit
•	A Crankshaft Socket (Some crank sockets attach the degree wheel to the socket. This makes adjustments much easier.)

Are there any tips before I begin?

•	Before installing the camshaft and lifters, wash them in mineral spirits to remove the rust prevention coating. Then apply a generous coating of Assembly/Break-In Lube.
•	If the opening and closing points on the Cam Card are listed at 0.050 in. of lift at the cam AND you are measuring lift at the valve, be sure to take Rocker Arm Ratio into account.
	•	For the sake of simplicity, these instructions assume you are measuring lift at the valve.
•	Make sure the values listed on your cam card are listed for the part of the valvetrain you are measuring.

Initial Steps - Installing Pieces and Parts

1.	Install checking springs on the #1 cylinder valves.
	a.	If using solid lifters, place the dial indicator directly on a solid lifter.
2.	Install the camshaft and timing set according to manufacturer instructions.
3.	Install the degree wheel on the crankshaft.
4.	Attach the pointer to the block.
	a.	Any bolt hole should work fine.
	b.	Make sure the pointer is aimed directly at the center of the wheel.
	c.	Make sure the pointer tip is near the edge of the wheel.
5.	Adjust the degree wheel to Top Dead Center (TDC):
	a.	Bring the #1 piston close to TDC on the Compression Stroke (both valves closed).
	b.	Without moving the crank, adjust the degree wheel so the pointer is at TDC (or 0°).
	c.	Turn the crankshaft about 1/4 turn backwards to lower the piston.
	d.	Install the piston stop in the #1 spark plug hole.
	e.	Slowly turn the crankshaft forward (normal direction) until the piston contacts the piston stop.
		i.	Record this reading on the degree wheel.
	f.	Slowly turn the crank backward (opposite direction) until the piston hits the piston stop again.
		i.	Record this reading on the degree wheel.
	g.	If piston is at TDC, readings will be equal.
	h.	If not, split the difference and adjust the degree wheel without moving the crankshaft to achieve equal readings.
	i.	Turn the crank from stop to stop again to confirm TDC.
		i.	Readings should now be equal.
	j.	Rotate the crankshaft to lower the piston.
	k.	Remove the piston stop.
	l.	Rotate the crank so #1 piston is at TDC.
		i.	Both valves should be fully closed.
6.	Install a Solid Lifter or Hydraulic Lifter in the #1 intake lifter bore.
	a.	Be sure the type of lifter (Flat Tapper or Roller) matches your cam.
7.	Install the pushrod and rocker arm on the intake valve.
	a.	If using hydraulic lifters, be sure to use an Adjustable Pushrod to keep valvetrain geormetry the same.
8.	Set valve lash and preload, as appropriate.
	a.	Solid lifters: Set Valve Lash.
	b.	Hydraulic lifters: Set Preload.

Next Steps - Adjusting and Degreeing the Camshaft

9.	Set up the dial indicator on the valve retainer.
	a.	Make sure the probe on the dial indicator is aligned with the direction of movement.
		i.	This will reduce any geometric error in measurements.
	b.	Make sure the dial indicator has enough travel to account for the max lift of your cam, plus 0.050 in.
		i.	This will ensure the dial indicator won't bottom out and give a false reading.
10.	Check the intake centerline (and adjust the camshaft if needed):
	a.	Rotate the crankshaft forward until the dial indicator's needle stops.
		i.	You have reached max lift.
	b.	Check the probe to make sure it's still resting on the valve retainer and has not bottomed out.
	c.	If everything is OK, turn the face of the dial so the needle is pointing at zero.
	d.	Turn the crank until you reach 0.050 in. before max lift.
		i.	Record the reading.
	e.	Continue turning the crank until the needle indicates 0.050 in. after max lift.
		i.	Record the reading.
	f.	Calculate the intake centerline:
		i.	Add the 2 readings together and divide by 2.
		ii.	For example, 150° + 66° = 216° / 2 = 108°.
		iii.	This is the theoretical point of maximum lift.
	g.	Compare the calculated intake centerline to the cam card.
		i.	If you're within 1° of the listed value, continue to Step 11.
	h.	If more than 1° off, reposition the camshaft by adjusting the timing set according to the manufacturer's instructions.
		i.	If your calculation is smaller than what is listed, the camshaft is advanced.
		ii.	If your calculation is larger, the camshaft is retarded.
		iii.	Follow this link for more on Advancing and Retarding a Camshaft.
	i.	Perform the centerline procedure again.
11.	Once intake centerline is correct, check the opening and closing points of the intake valve at 0.050 in. of lift:
	a.	Set up the dial indicator as before and turn the crankshaft until the valve closes.
	b.	The needle will stop moving when the lifter is on the base circle on the camshaft. At this point, turn the dial face until the needle points at zero.
	c.	Turn the crank slowly until the needle reads 0.050 in. of lift (valve is opening).
		i.	Record the reading on the degree wheel.
		ii.	Remember: If the valve events are listed at 0.050 in. of lift at the cam, multiply 0.050 in. by your rocker ratio. Then record your lift points at that amount of lift.
		iii.	For example, on an engine with 1.5 rockers: 0.050 in. of cam lift x 1.5 rocker ratio = 0.075 in. of Valve Lift.
	d.	Continue rotating the crankshaft past the point of max lift until the valve is 0.050 in. from zero lift (valve is closing).
		i.	Record the reading on the degree wheel.
	e.	Compare the opening and closing points to the cam card.
		i.	If within 1°, the camshaft is installed correctly. Continue to Step 12.
	f.	If more than 1° off, reposition the camshaft by adjusting the timing set according to manufacturer's instructions.
	g.	Perform the above procedure again.
12.	Once the intake lobe is positioned correctly, follow Steps 10 and 11 for the exhaust valve.

Final Steps - Finish Installing Pieces and Parts

Once the exhaust valve is positioned correctly:

13.	Remove the dial indicator and degree wheel.
14.	Remove the checking springs, if used.
15.	Reinstall the proper valve springs.
16.	Lubricate and install the proper lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms.