ORIGINAL: Hobbsy
Cory, envision this cam turning CCW as we look at the back of it. The trailing side of the exhaust cam is nearly flat, meaning that the exhaust valve closes much quicker than it opens. Looking at the base circle it appears that the base circle is smaller in diameter right after the closing then is ever so slightly larger from that point until the opening ramp. This area right after the closing has to be where you're seeing the .004''. When I replaced the 1.50s cylinder due to ham fisting the intake jam nut I thought the intoake lobe on the cam was worn out since it wasn't sharp pointed like the exhaust lobe. How wrong I was, the new cam is exactly the same. Sharp point on exhaust cam and nearly flat trailing side more visible in picture #2.
Having such a cam grind is not rare by any means. Too bad Saito doesn't tell us where to set them.
This brings up a very interesting point. The Saito instructions don't specify a point where the valve lash is to be set, this leaves a really big range as to where the exhaust valve can be set and still be within spec. Kinda wish I'd checked it in a few more places with different feelers.
Oops, forgot to measure the life while I was there too.
Cory