Piston stop or dial indicator? - SRT Forums

porksword · 10-11-2009, 11:12 PM

Which would be better to use for getting a perfect TDC while setting the cams?

nutz · 10-11-2009, 11:44 PM

dial is more accurate but the piston stop is easier and quicker (within a degree)

chuck's_srt-4 · 10-12-2009, 12:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by nutz

dial is more accurate but the piston stop is easier and quicker (within a degree)

Just curious where you get the idea that a dial is more accurate?

Are you referring to using a dial + a degree wheel, or JUST a dial?

If it's the latter (Dial ONLY, used to measure the highest point of piston travel), I would have to disagree.

If it's the previous mentioned (Dial + Degree wheel), I'd partially agree.

GreaseMonkey69 · 10-12-2009, 04:36 PM

see because when i set timing i use just the cams, the arrow on the crank/ oil pump housing and the lobes of the cams in the #1 piston. along with the lines on the gears them self. i have not used a dial indicator and a degree wheel to determine true TDC. i know the DCR setting fixture helps put the cams in true tdc, but with out that tool just using the dial indicator and a degree wheel is it more accurate than just using your 'eyes'?

nutz · 10-12-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by chuck's_srt-4

Just curious where you get the idea that a dial is more accurate?

Are you referring to using a dial + a degree wheel, or JUST a dial?

If it's the latter (Dial ONLY, used to measure the highest point of piston travel), I would have to disagree.

If it's the previous mentioned (Dial + Degree wheel), I'd partially agree.

i ment degree wheel is more accurate, but piston stop with dial is easier and quicker, writeing owns me (and spelling)

d_fl8ted1 · 10-12-2009, 06:39 PM

I have my cams installed already porks but am going to use a dial indicator to set mine up since my engine is already in the car...

nutz · 10-12-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by d_fl8ted1

I have my cams installed already porks but am going to use a dial indicator to set mine up since my engine is already in the car...

just log the TDC (PISTON DWELL) and make the middle TDC

IE: if it dwells for 2.5* set it when its 1.25* in

d_fl8ted1 · 10-12-2009, 06:50 PM

So you can set tdc with the aem? even if the piston is not exactly tdc..

porksword · 10-12-2009, 10:12 PM

My cams are already installed and the engine is in the car. I have it lined up and running good by just lining up the marks on the crank/oil pump housing, and the lines on the cam gears, but I think I could do better than just eyeing it up.

So since its in the car already a degree wheel is out, so my next choices are piston stop or dial indicator. I will probably use a cam setting fixture as well.

nutz · 10-12-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by d_fl8ted1

So you can set tdc with the aem? even if the piston is not exactly tdc..

IDK if you could log with while hand turning the motor, try it out

**kevinwarren240** · 10-16-2009, 11:20 PM

by dwell he didnt mean in the aem, he meant the ammount of time the piston stays at tdc it has a winder where it is neither coming up or down and that is called dwell time.

nutz · 10-17-2009, 12:21 AM

i think he was wondering if you could use the crank tooth sensor also (as another option)

but yes we understand what piston dwell is