How To Degree Cams

By Aaron Bonk

An engine works best when the right things happen at the right time. Say your spark fires before your pistons are in their right spots—you might embarrass yourself on the dyno. You might even end up with a scenic view of your bottom end. The relationship between an engine's crank and its cams is no different. The rise and fall of its pistons has to sync with the opening and closing of its valves, which happen to be controlled by its cams. This is even more important to pay attention to once aftermarket cams, adjustable cam gears or other mismatched components are introduced as well as once an engine's block or cylinder head have been resurfaced. All of this should be enough to make you want to degree your cams.