Degreeing in stock cams

"be suprised what a good stiff tune up and cams opening at the right time will do at a stoplight,toss a good header and a set of carbs on there and youve got a fun little daily rider."

Well no shit obi wan konbe.... :whistle: but where speaking of a couple of dgrees on stock cams only, no upgrades out of that....

That's gpoing to cost me folks.... :pinch: :laugh:

if the cams were a little out of wack from day one,then you add 20,000 miles on top of it might be suprised !
back in the days of superstock racing guys were gaining lots of poer just by paying attention to details like that since major changes werent allowed

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Ok, so we all get dialed in at lobe centering for their designs, regardless of OEM stock or performance cams.... but the question is in degreeing to say 105 on stock cams designed for 110 centering...

What do we truly gain?
And I'm asking seriously... a little on the bottom, a little on the top pending which way you go.... How much am I going to lose on the top end to achieve a few umphcas on the bottom end versus some performance cams...

My bet is on the performance cams if you truly want to feel the difference....

Well, some folks just like to optimize what they have. Some folks are just naturally curious about things. I'd surely like to see before and after dyno numbers on this one..

"Well, some folks just like to optimize what they have. Some folks are just naturally curious about things"...

No doubt in this concept... While learning CAM Degreeing, just ask Larry and Plum on how I drove them crazy with questions.... :S :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Old Man Rock wrote:

"Well, some folks just like to optimize what they have. Some folks are just naturally curious about things"...

No doubt in this concept... While learning CAM Degreeing, just ask Larry and Plum on how I drove them crazy with questions.... :S :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

oh my aching head! :woohoo:

I don't consider myself an expert on cam timing, but I do know if you replace a badly worn cam chain with a new one and do NOTHING else, the bike perks up considerably.

I did some rough calculations a few years ago and came up with a badly worn cam chain could retard exhaust cams 3-4 degrees and intake cams 6-7 degrees. I'm not 100% sure my numbers are perfect, but they do show the magnitude of the problem. when I ran my numbers I don't remember if that was at the cam or the crank - if it was at the cam, then the numbers would need to be halved

Hi. I have a 81 kz550. When I was putting new shims in the buckets I may have skipped a tooth (or 3) on the cam sprockets. Damn me for taking the entire tensioner elbow n all out and pressing on the chain! I' m paranoid to turn it over now without putting it back into specs. Is there anything outlined in the manual to do this procedure? I'm no engine builder but learn easily.

Thank you.

KZ550 Service manual....

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_docman&...d&gid=462&Itemid=108

Also, Loudvhx is pretty much our resident KZ550 guru plus electrical... He would definitely get you steered into the right direction....

And BTW, if your off 3 teeth, don't start or ride it....

Thanks. It's my first street motorcycle. First post too. Lotsa help on here.

It would seem to me that if cams were degreed-in it would optimize the efficiency of that engine bringing it to design operating efficiency. It makes total sense that a worn timing chain will greatly improve the engine "stock" running capabilities. If someone has adjusted carbs and done all the routine adjustments and maintenance such as plugs for a smooth running stocker, this may be the icing on the cake to balance it all out. Performance cams,porting and polishing are great for the next level of engine work in my mind! David