I am upgrading my camshaft to a stage two cam from motorsport.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/PEM01/10-2002

Im not sure about the timing, or how to set it up.

I am replacing head gasket and have it set up to where i can put it together and keep the original timing. Im not sure how to set the timing with a upgraded cam, need some help.

1972 240z l24 block e88 head

There is a thread on HybridZ.org that details with what is required to degree your own cam. It is in the 6 cyl. Z forums heading. If you have never done this before, it can be very confusing. It is however, the only way to know exactly what the cam timing is. The other problem for the first time cam installer is, once you know where the cam is in relation to the crank, now what? Is it where it should be? If not, how do I change it? So many home builders get an aftermarket cam, put it in to the stock specs, and don't get the performance they thought they would. It's very easy to install a cam and have it off a few degrees, either advanced or retarded. And a few degrees one way or the other can change the way the cam performs. You should recieve a cam card similar to the one pictured. To realize the expected performance of the cam, you should be able to duplicate the numbers on your cam card, when it is installed in your engine. I have known many people who say,"damn, that's way too much work" and just install it, and hope for the best, it's a total crap shoot if this method is used. I have changed cam timing one degree on a dyno, and saw a significant change. So if you are two degrees retarded, and the cam needs to be two degrees advanced, You will have good top end, but not so good bottom end. which brings up another point. you can degree a cam any where you want. To get the most out of a cam, you need to know what other mods have been done, what your expected use will be, what rpm range you will want to enhance, etc. Then the cam can be installed to work in an area that will be most usefull. Other areas that are just as important are installing reground, or new rockers, and setting the contact area correctly. Then using the proper break in oil, and following that with oil that has the proper amount of zink and phosphrous to help the cam lobe/ rocker assembly live a long life. Truly, the failure rate of having a new cam survive is staggeringly high... if you don't do things right.

I'm not trying to dampen your enthusiasm in building you own engine. Building your own stuff is very rewarding, and fun. But sometimes it's a very steep learning curve. Good luck, learn all you can before you start, and try not to swear too much when things get tough. Cheers.

Phred

Well said.......Delta Camshafts will regrind your rockers for about $5.00 each.....a considerable savings over Nissan at $295.00 for 12. Centering the wipe pattern can mean life or death for your camshaft.....it is relatively easy if you've got basic skills, however will require time and effort and $$$ to get the proper lash pads. Check the "How to Modify" book to get the general idea. Other things come into play also, like valve seal to retainer clearance.....ask lots of questions. Degreeing (timing) a cam is probably best left to the experts. Most wrench heads don't have a dial indicator in their toolbox! Good luck......Guy

Number1, you will probably need a multi-hole camshaft sprocket to get the timing right. Number 2, to get it right you will also need a suitable dial guage to measure the amount of rotation of the camshaft at TDC, otherwise you are wasting your time with an upgraded cam. Your camshaft looks to be very similar to mine, being set at 4.2mm lift at TDC on no1 inlet valve. Tappets are set at 0.006 thou inlet and 0.008 exhaust.