valve lift timing

[GotaT]

After reading and reading about timing the valves I would still like more explanation of the necessity/need/ reason for adjusting the cam sprockets by the hole pin connection.
Why not just put the crank at the Z1 mark, each cam mark pointed up, install the chain on the sprocket and loosly fit to the end of the cam, Pull all of the slack out of the correct side of the chain, install tensioners and put in the dowel pin to the appropriate hole? Then check valve adjustment clearances w/ the special feeler gauge.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

[2.7RACER]

It's all about accuracy.
Sure you could pin and tighten things down at Z1 with the dots or keyways up, and maybe you would be close. Maybe not.
Using the dial indicator method a few thousandths error can be a degree. More and you won't like the way your motor runs.
The idea is to not only get the cams correctly timed but to get the left and right the same.
Once this is done you don't need a "special" feeler gauge to set your valve clearance. Search my ID 2.7racer. The special feeler gauge is obsolete.

[GotaT]

heres the thing... I put my engine back together without doing so last week and ran it.. it ran just as fine now as it did then. Up to speed I had to teardown the cam towers to put some anearobic sealant in between the towers and heads.. (kicking myself for it)

How many of you didnt use the dial indicator method when putting your engine back together? Is it still running?

[GotaT]

Ive finished assembling it all and car runs Great! Chains and Vavles still sound fine. : ) Can't Wait to break it in!!