What do I need to degree a cam?

[Templar]

Alright fellas... I'm preparing to build up an engine for my XS650. I think I'm going to use a Megacycle cam, just the street cam. Considering using Megacycle's adjustable sprocket set-up as well, for ease of adjustment(I don't have a press, but I could possibly gain access to one if needed). I must mention that this is my first attempt at building an engine, ever... I have read articles and watched youtube vids for hours about degreeing in cams. I'm sure I have that part down. What I need to know is what tools you guys recommend for the job. What degree wheel will serve me best for the XS650? Piston stop? I've got the dial indicators, but all mine have magnetic bases. How are you mounting your indicator to get solid readings? Pictures of someone actually degreeing the cam on their xs would be nice. Used the search function without much luck as far as pictures go. I was hoping to find an xs specific cam degreeing lesson on the forum. I'm sure I'll have more questions about the actual process later, but I wan't to get the right tools on the way first. ANY help, advice, or constructive criticism is welcome...
Many Thanks!

 

[glennpm]

I've attached a few pictures and a compilation of various write-ups with the links included. the first step is to find top dead center, TDC using a degree wheel. I remember finding a link somewhere to print one, paste on card stock and use this. I bought the one shown for $20 something I believe.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

For those folks degreeing a stock cam, an item missing from some manuals is setting the valve lash to 0.012" before checking against factory timing specs. An old tech bulletin:

 

[mrriggs]

Considering using Megacycle's adjustable sprocket set-up as well, for ease of adjustment(I don't have a press, but I could possibly gain access to one if needed).

The Megacycle adjustable sprocket is a beautifully made part but overkill unless you are a racer who will regularly adjust cam timing.

You should be able to pick up a small press for what you would pay for that sprocket. A press is one of the handiest tools to have around. It will pay for itself in no time.

 

[Signal]

Doug Meyers guide is excellent.
http://www.muzzys.com/articles/lobe_centers.html

I have found it tedious when setting up a cam to perform the lobe centre calculations.

Finally I sat down and played around in Xcel until I had a spread sheet that performs the calculation for me.
I would attach it to this post but I get an invalid file message, if someone can tell me how to attach it I will.

 

[Templar]

Outstanding! Thanks fellas! This gives me a huge nudge in the right direction. The pics and links were a big help. mrriggs, I'm shopping for a shop press as I type this. I read up on your method of heating the sprocket when reinstalling it on the cam. Sounds easy enough. As soon as I get back home to the US, I'll start ordering tools. I'll have a lot more questions, I'm sure, as this project progresses. Signal, I had been contemplating setting up an excel file to simplify things, but you've beaten me to it! Good thinking. I'm on a mobile device right now, but as soon as I'm in front of a real computer, I'll shoot you a pm with my email. I'd like to give your spreadsheet a try if that is ok with you. I should really get back to work now. Thanks again!
Cody

 

[Signal]

You can have it, no worries.

 

[xs650dreamer]

For those folks degreeing a stock cam, an item missing from some manuals is setting the valve lash to 0.012" before checking against factory timing specs. An old tech bulletin:

would you do this with any cam?

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

would you do this with any cam?

I'd do this for XS650 factory stock cams, per the bulletin. Other cams and engines have different specifications and requirements. ..

 

[glennpm]

Note that if you are just interested in degreeing the cam, only the center of the lift to decline curve is required. Any reasonably approximate gap is sufficient for this setting. It is well explained in the Meyer's article linked above in this thread.

Doug Meyers guide is excellent. http://www.muzzys.com/articles/lobe_centers.html

 

[mrriggs]

It really depends on the cam. Some cams like the Shell#1 have very consistent ramps and will give the same lobe center at different lifts.

0.010" - 99.5°
0.020" - 100.25°
0.030" - 100°
0.040" - 100°
0.050" - 99.75°
0.060" - 99.75°
0.070" - 99.5°

Other cams like the stock 256 have some variance.

0.010" - 99.5°
0.020" - 98°
0.030" - 97°
0.040" - 96.5°
0.050" - 96°
0.060" - 96°
0.070" - 96°

 

[glennpm]

Ahhh ...

Thanks

 

[xs650dreamer]

alrighty thanks guys. i have a 256 cam i wanna install in my 78.
mr riggs how differant are the 256 cams vs shell #1 and what i mean by that is where they make the most power

 

[mrriggs]

Can't say for sure. I've sold a bunch of Shell#1 cams but have yet to run one in my bike.

 

[gggGary]

Here's a link to a copy of Signal's lobe center spread sheet.

Cam lobe center spread sheet in Excel