The reason you degree a cam is to verify spec.s (a problem with machining), And some cams are ground advanced moving your power band to more bottom end You verify if it is or not, you can also lose a lot of compression depending on where the cam is installed! also a lot of timing chain sets are set up advanced even the 3 key way gear types can be advanced and some straight up! So you degree a cam to set it for when you want the power to come in at a particular R.P.M.! If you install a cam with an advance already in it and gears advanced you can really kill all your mid or top end power!! They sell advanced and retarded wood-ruff keys and other devices to move the degree point! for true power you don't just stab a cam in It, it may impress you when running but you will never know how much power you have missed!
Always check the manufacturer of the timing set if the main key way is advanced or straight up! Some builders set them up advanced because as the chain stretches and wears it retards slowly through time and gets closer to straight up position!