Comp cam stage 3 nsr install question

2008_ScarlettGT · Aug 2, 2025

I’m currently building a 3-2-1 coyote. Stock gen 3 long block and gen 2 heads. I’m using gen 1 cams and timing components. When I try to install the cams, I cannot get them in a “resting” position like the directions state. When I put them in the correct timing positions, the left side intake and right side exhaust are not “seated” down into the cam caps because the cams are putting pressure on the valve stems at the correct timing position. Is this normal? I don’t have any chains installed. This is a fresh build and I only have the lash adjusters and followers installed at this point. Just seems odd that the cams are not seated in the cam caps.

Cams are stage 3 NA NSR cams from Comp.

Any advice is greatly appreciated, and yes, I’ve googled and searched the forum.

lwarrior1016 · Aug 3, 2025

2008_ScarlettGT said:
I’m currently building a 3-2-1 coyote. Stock gen 3 long block and gen 2 heads. I’m using gen 1 cams and timing components. When I try to install the cams, I cannot get them in a “resting” position like the directions state. When I put them in the correct timing positions, the left side intake and right side exhaust are not “seated” down into the cam caps because the cams are putting pressure on the valve stems at the correct timing position. Is this normal? I don’t have any chains installed. This is a fresh build and I only have the lash adjusters and followers installed at this point. Just seems odd that the cams are not seated in the cam caps.

Cams are stage 3 NA NSR cams from Comp.

Any advice is greatly appreciated, and yes, I’ve googled and searched the forum.

Post a couple pictures of your cams, specifically the front of the cam and link the instructions. That way we can look at what you’re looking at.

MrBhp · Aug 3, 2025

When you install the cams their will always be pressure on valve springs. There is always valves that are in the process of opening or closing, thus pushing back against the cam. Is that what you are talking about?

2008_ScarlettGT · Aug 3, 2025

Yes sir. I figured that was most likely the case and carefully tightened them down. There are 2 sets of rollers on each cam that have tension. That makes sense to me so I’m moving ahead! I have one side timed and I’m working on the passenger side now.

2008_ScarlettGT · Aug 3, 2025

I just have a lot invested and wanted to ask the question. This is by no means a cheap swap, especially going the route that I did. I got burned on a FB engine so I bought everything new from that point and it still won’t be exactly what I want at first.

For right now I want to get it put together and installed and work out any bugs. Eventually I want to tear the 3650 out for a T56 but it isn’t in the budget at the moment. It’s still a good build, so I’m not complaining. I want to see where it’s at before I sink any more money into it.

MrBhp · Aug 3, 2025

You're doing the right thing by asking the question. Looking forward to hearing it run.

2008_ScarlettGT · Aug 10, 2025

Tore it apart because I second guessed myself. I bought all new ARP hardware for the cam caps and all the phaser stuff as well since I needed to replace them anyways. I hate tty bolts! This time I’m posting pics of timing to verify. I still couldn’t “seat the cams” nicely in the caps. They stuck up on one end, more so on the drivers side for some reason. Key way was at 9 o’clock for driver side and 12 for passenger side. Please look at pics and provide feedback.

Drivers side marks below.