I hear what you are saying about the overlap. I did not consider that.
Never cared for the subjectivity of “ when the exhaust rocker begins to move”. If I supply the cam card may the number of degrees of before and after TDC be calculated so that I could continue using my degreed balancer? Or is that just as subjective as EOIC ?
Thanks for humoring me.
The subjectivity is correct though and really infallible. It's what I use on *very* high end race engines.
Think about how it works:
When the exhaust valve is opening, you can set the intake valve. The reason for that is because when the exhaust valve is opening, the power stroke has just occurred for that cylinder. There is literally ZERO possibility that the intake lifter is anywhere besides on the base circle of the cam at this point.
When the intake valve is closing, you can set the exhaust valve. The reason for that is because when the intake valve is closing, the engine is on compression stroke of that cylinder. Again, there is literally ZERO possibility that the exhaust lifter is anywhere besides on the heel of the lobe.
If you use the TDC method, especially with a larger cam, you have room for error, because there is a remote chance that one valve is not all the way shut or is beginning to open.
With both valve covers off and a remote starter, you should be able to roll through the entire valve setting scenario in just a brief moment. Solid cams are even easier because you just use a feeler gauge as a GO/NO-GO gauge and you can check it immediately. Hydraulic cams are a little tougher because you essentially have to start from scratch and reset it in order to check yourself.