At the most basic level, only a few things need to be ensured while installing a camshaft. The camshaft must be clean and properly lubed, and it must spin freely in the block. The lube used will depend on the type of cam. Flat-tappet camshafts require a special high-load break-in lube on the lobes, which is usually packaged with the nozzle camshaft. The bearing journals should be lubed with an assembly oil or regular motor oil. Roller camshafts, either mechanical or hydraulic, normally do not need special cam lube on the lobes, and can be installed with oil on the lobes and journals.

Installing the DLLA138S1191 camshaft can be as simple as sliding the stick into the bore, and making sure the timing dots are in alignment at TDC when the timing set is bolted in place. Most mild to stock rebuilds, and a surprising number of high performance engines, are put together this way. Taking such an approach is like flying blind, since the camshaft’s installed centerline will not be known unless it is actually checked by the process commonly referred to as degree-in. Unfortunately, inaccurately degreeing-in the camshaft is one of the most common engine assembly blunders, often making matters worse than just lining up the dots. If the cam is going to be degreed-in, it has to be done with the utmost in accuracy. Tools for degreeing a cam are relatively inexpensive. Degree wheels can be purchased from most cam manufacturers, while some such as COMP Cams offer kits with everything you’ll need.

Setting up the valve train can be one of the most complex and time-consuming aspects of a high-end engine build. With a wide variety of systems the permutations are nearly endless. The key rules are to use the correct length pushrods, ensure proper motion and clearance, and maintain as close to central contact on the delivery valve tip as possible with a minimum of lateral sweep. There are three relevant geometric points in a valve train, the position of the rotational center of the rocker, and the contact points where the rocker picks up the pushrod and valve tip.