COMP Cams 3201 Chevrolet Timing Chain - Manual (Page 2)

Part #172
Revised 7/01/05
Competition Cams, Inc
3406 Democrat Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
(901)795-2400 FAX (901)366-1807
www.compcams.com
the camshaft can turn freely. You should be able to turn the camshaft by hand. Make sure that the
engine mounting surfaces and your new timing set have been thoroughly cleaned with a good solvent.
If you are using a timing set with three keyways, select the appropriate keyway for your camshaft
timing specifications. COMP Cams ® recommends the standard timing position for most applications.
This position uses the round or “O” timing and keyway marks. Standard Timing Location: This is the
same as original O.E.M. setting. Use keyway and crankshaft gear tooth marked “O”.
ƒ 4 Degree Advance: Use keyway and crankshaft tooth marked . Note: The or advanced
position should not be used without degreeing the camshaft. Many camshafts have the proper
advance built in. Advancing the cam will reduce intake valve to piston clearance and increase
exhaust piston to valve clearance.
ƒ 4 Degree Retard: Use keyway and crankshaft gear tooth marked . Note: The or
retarded position should not be used without degreeing the camshaft. Many cams have the
proper advance built in. Retarding the cam will reduce exhaust valve to piston clearance and
increase intake piston to valve clearance.
Step 1 – Lower Gear Installation
Select the appropriate keyway for your camshaft timing specifications. COMP Cams® recommends
the zero timing position, which uses the round timing mark and round keyway mark. If the camshaft
needs to be advanced or retarded, use degree bushings (Part #4760) as they are a more accurate method
of positioning the camshaft. Using your lower timing gear installation tool (Part #4920), install the
lower gear on the crankshaft making sure that the gear is fully seated against the crankshaft flange and
the timing marks on the gear are toward you. (Never strike the gear with a hammer, chisel, or punch).
Step 2 – Chain Installation
Now that the lower crankshaft gear is installed rotate the crankshaft using your crankshaft socket, (Part
#4793 for Small Block Chevy or #4797 for Big Block Chevy), until the appropriate crankshaft gear
tooth is in the 12:00 position and the crankshaft gear keyway slot is in the 2:00 position. The #1 piston
should be at top dead center. Rotate the camshaft until the camshaft dowel pin is at the 3:00 position.
Loop the chain over the camshaft gear. Align the camshaft and crankshaft timing marks and loop the
chain around the crankshaft gear. Lift the camshaft gear into place on the camshaft. Install the three
camshaft bolts (finger tight for now). Make sure that the camshaft gear timing mark aligns with the
proper crankshaft gear timing mark. The camshaft timing mark should be at 6:00 and the crankshaft
gear timing mark should be at 12:00. If this procedure is missed by even one tooth, engine damage can
result.
If a mechanical roller or retro-fit hydraulic roller cam is being installed, a cam button (Part #200 or
#202 for Small Block Chevy, #205 or #207 for Big Block Chevy) must be used. Install the cam button
per the supplied instructions. A cam button is not required on 87-present models equipped with factory
roller camshafts using stock camshaft retainer. If you are using a cam lock plate (Part #4605), install it
with the bolts leaving them finger tight. Do not bend the tabs at this time.
For a more accurate installation, we recommend that you degree your cam at this time using the
instruction sheet and video provided in your COMP Cams ® Degree Kit (Part #4796). Then refer to
your repair manual for the proper torque specifications for all attaching hardware and secure your cam