Many thanks for the replies, i am completely amazed at the amount of knowledge here. I've rebuilt quite a few classic motors but this is my first serious A7 engine rebuild.
Thanks Paul, i use a similar method for finding TDC with the DTI, just marking when the piston goes past 0.2mm on the DTI in either direction and then halving it for TDC (this may not be as dead accurate as your bolt method), i understand what you are conveying about setting the timing from peak inlet lift in relation to TDC.
Bob, yes it's a new cam not a regrind. Alan & Zeto, it's a 1&5/16" pheonix crank so clears ok.
Terry, yes i did have to push the centre bearing race in at the same time as the cam as the lobes are too big and this was the only way to fit it. Your tool as illustrated would have indeed made the task easier.
I haven't got it timed right at the moment as max inlet opening is around 120 degrees.
But if set back to 110 then the cam would show timing of 30 BTDC, 70 ABDC, and is definately 318 lift.
Terry & Charles P, guessing that you have experience using this cam (or others that run one), is it what most would call a full race cam? i.e. the engine will be somewhat fickle below 4500rpm and won't wake up and pull hard until 5000-7500?
I'm in two minds whether to use it, as it's going in a roadgoing ulster rep. If not it will find it's way back to that well known auction site!
Thanks again, Dirk