Offset crank key needed

[Jesse B.]

I am continuing the saga of putting together my 392 and I finally received my cam from charles at camcraft last week. I installed this weekend and got out my degree wheel and dial indicator to check the valve timing. The cam appears to be about 2*-3* retarded based upon my measurements.

Cam card specs:
intake valve opening (.050 tappet lift) = -9* btdc
intake valve closing (.050 tappet lift) = 27* abdc

exhaust valve opening (.050 tappet lift) = 31* bbdc
exhaust valve closing (.050 tappet lift) = -13* atdc

actual specs:
intake valve opening (.050 tappet lift) = -11* btdc
intake valve closing (.050 tappet lift) = 29* abdc

exhaust valve opening (.050 tappet lift) = 28* bbdc
exhaust valve closing (.050 tappet lift) = -10* atdc

the intake and exhaust centerlines are equally off 2*.

I know that Robert and michael were talking about locating offset crank keys, but I don't know if they are available. The key in the crank right now is .250 wide and I could not find any that wide with a quick google search.

I could run the cam 2* retarded, my desktop dyno shows acceptable results, but I would prefer to have everything spot on.

Thanks,

 

[Robert Kenney]

Jesse,
I have plans to make the offset keys but have not been able to get to it.

as you can see you will need to make the single existing key a 2 piece unit. Offset directly under the crank gear for like 5/8 of length and the balance under the balancer or crank hub (choose your nomenclature) straight standard square key stock. You will need to install the gear hot (450*f) so it slides on easily and all of the way by hand. Place only the short offset section on the crank while you install the gear.

The other choice is to offset the cam key.

Now to your cam. Duration @ .050 198*. Cam craft ground it( or published the intended event timing) with 2*advance. It is installed 1* retarded from straight up. Because it is a fairly small cam based on duration (not a poke at your cam choice) you will have plenty of low end. That with the 392 inch motor and where it is is safe.

I would go ahead and install it where you have it. What compression are you running? If you are adamant about putting it on the numbers pm me and we will get you set up.

Robert

 

[Jesse B.]

Thanks Robert. You are correct on all the other cam specs, but since I spent so much time picking out the cam and performance profile I wanted, I think I'll try to dial it in. I'll pm you in a moment.

 

[Robert Kenney]

Jesse,
I got confirmation that the offset key I sent you was delivered. Let me know how it works out for ya. You might need to file a small portion of the offset overhang to allow it to fit into the part of the groove that extends into the cam gear flange face.

Just flush to the 3/16 width will be enough.

Robert

 

[Jesse B.]

Yes, I got the new key. Thank you. It looks great. I see what you mean about taking down part of the offset to fit into the flange. I plan on installing this weekend so I'll post up with results. Thanks again,

 

[Robert Kenney]

Great!

That key should give you 3 degrees of shift in valve event timing at the crank and put your engine right on the cam card specs. Look forward to hearing the out come.

Robert

 

[Jesse B.]

Robert,

the offset cam key worked perfectly. The valve timing is now right on the cam card. Thank you very much. I had to grind down just a touch of the offset to get the key to fit correctly into the cam flange (as discussed above) and it was bit too long, but the amount of offset was perfect. Thanks again, Jesse

 

[Robert Kenney]

Jesse,
glad to hear it worked out for you.

You say the key was to long? If it protruded beyond the cam gear face, that is normal. The cam gear retention washer has a groove to clear the key. Was it still to long even with the washer clocked so the key lined up with the groove. But anyway no matter.

Hopefully we will have these offset keys in stock at ihon for other customers to set up their cam correctly too.

Robert

 

[Michael Mayben]

Robert and I jawwed about this "key" deal today.

Here's a shot of the rear of the fuel pump eccentric with the "relief" that the tail of the woodruff key engages.

Verify that ya have the eccentric correctly installed.

 

[Michael Mayben]

This is a shot of the front of the fuel pump eccentric, the counterbore is where the head of the retaining bolt for the cam gear and eccentric seats.

Put that bolt in with loctite!!!!!

 

[Jesse B.]

I've got it in there correct...now. Thanks,