Cam Degreeing or not

[limeex2]

One could assume that differences in cam timing is one of the reasons 2 of the same model bikes are faster or slower than each other.

 

[zed1015]

One could assume that differences in cam timing is one of the reasons 2 of the same model bikes are faster or slower than each other.

Production tolerances can affect the performance slightly between machines coming off the production line but it would hardly be noticeable.
If one slipped through quality control with noticeably less power we'd call that a Friday afternoon or Monday morning job ..
After that wear and mileage etc would be more of a factor.
If you get a stock motor though and degree the cams in to spec it can sharpen the performance up a bit depending on can chain wear etc..

 

[gs11ezrydr]

One could assume that differences in cam timing is one of the reasons 2 of the same model bikes are faster or slower than each other.

I could agree. Back in the early 80's at one time we uncrated and assembled as many as seven 1100's in a day and there was a few that were faster and slower after break-in.A few customers complained about the issue..But cam timing if food for thought there..Along with clearances,tolerances,etc.

 

[Guest]

There is a lot of good info on this thread. Here is my take on the subject. Cam timing is a lot like jetting. If it is close it works, but.... Having it down cold and near perfect makes a big difference in the way an engine runs. You can dial in top end power, or midrange power with the same setup. Advancing favors bottom end power, retard favors top end power. Changing cam timing from stock alters valve to piston clearance keep an eye on that. Any wear in the, chain, cams, sprockets, or chain guides can alter timing. Then add machining imperfections to the mix. It is only hard until you do it, when you learn how to do it opens a window, and you become a more professional better engine builder without a doubt. Learn how from tech support at cam manufacturers support websites.

 

[Guest]

Let me clear something up here...What Web means by "drop in" cams is they will work with stock valve springs and pistons. Non drop ins will require valve pocket machining or aftermarket pistons, and high performance springs.

Having said that, all cams should be agreed in to get your money's worth, Back in the day, there was a shop that discovered that stock GS1150 cam timing was all over the place. He would provide a "tune" for them which amounted to degreeing the stock cams in.

 

[Guest]

All cams should be degreed in. Even stock cams.
degreeing the cams in is the most important part of the engine assembly.

 

[RustyTank]

Let me clear something up here...What Web means by "drop in" cams is they will work with stock valve springs and pistons. Non drop ins will require valve pocket machining or aftermarket pistons, and high performance springs.

Having said that, all cams should be agreed in to get your money's worth, Back in the day, there was a shop that discovered that stock GS1150 cam timing was all over the place. He would provide a "tune" for them which amounted to degreeing the stock cams in.

Great perspective Big Jay. Thank you.