Pre-Teardown Cam Timing?
 

Is there any value in checking cam timing before removing the cam towers, rockers, heads, etc.? I'm R&R'ing an '83 3.0 and I'm ready to start on removing the heads, but I thought I might check the cam timing pre-teardown to see where it's at within the acceptable range.

Brian

Why? You will be re-timing the cams on re-install so what difference could it possibly make where they are set now? A waste of time IMO.

I think I understand why, you are interested in where it was... but that is not really of any value other that curiousity. You will set it to factory specs., so don't let out of spec readings lead you to deviate from them. Might actually be a good exercise to see what properly timed (within reason) cams look like. Pay attention to how the TDC-Z1-cam marking are all related, and then how to move from left to right cam banks for proper timing. I made more out of th eprocess and psyched myself into confusion. Seeing it done right may help you.

if you know the cams are stock, no, but if they are unknown performance cams, it's a good idea.

That's the thing. The records are spotty on the engine (140,000 miles or so). However, studs were addressed somewhere along the line and who knows what else. I just thought it might be handy to know where I'm coming from on this engine.

Brian

As John Walker says... If you're not SURE they are a factory cam, check them. You may not be able to determine the mfg. of an aftermarket cam and then how would you time them later?

Takes 5 minutes for the peace of mind.

The best possible reason I can think of to check it is simply to become familiar with the process and methods if this is something you've never done before. You will have a higher confidence level when going back together which is when it really counts.

I agree with gigem...I plan to do this on my teardown and was thinking it would be helpful to see everything working together properly...or is this naive? I'd like to just put everything back exactly the way it was, if possible.
BTW, congrats on the A&M victory over the Longhorns...my wife and brother in law went to A&M. (although I'm a Sooner and SMU grad/fan myself)

Thanks, we'll take em when we can get em! To bad they didn't play like that all year.