I'm just going to throw something out there, and it will prob be of No effect, as one would assume that Everyone involved in these discussions already understands it.
Having said that, one should Never Assume! So here goes nothing............
When referring to cam installation via "centerline instal" method.
Recommended installed centerline = 112deg for this eg.
The 112deg has ZERO to do with Anything regarding the Cam! It IS referring to 112deg of Crank rotation. So the Only thing relevant, to be expressed in Deg's is in reference to The CRANK
Now, where does the Cam come in in all of this you ask? Good Q!
With the cam installed in the motor you are going to be measuring the #1 Intake valve as it is Acted upon by the Cam lobe. So the Cam itself really has very Little to do with anything as you are actually measuring VALVE Lift, Not Cam Lift!
In order to do this Accurately, you Need a Dial indicator.
You Can't use a degree wheel because there is NO reference to "set" the wheel to on the Cam! (not to mention you aren't going right off the cam anyways)
Q. Could you devise a method to make a degree wheel work for this INSTEAD of a dial indicator? (using degree wheel mounted on camshaft)
A. For all intent and purpose, and to hold on to ones sanity............NO! There is Nothing to reference a degree wheel to, in order to be able to "use" that info to properly instal a cam at it's recommended centerline. Could someone "theoretically" measure Every aspect of the Cam, and come up with some sort of reference "Chart" that Could allow a degree wheel to be used in place of a dial indicator? Possibly, but it would take a Monumental Effort and in the end, be FAR LESS ACCURATE! (and still wouldn't need to be expressed in Deg's because Cam rotation in Deg's has No bearing on Anything!)
This is Why a Dial Indicator is used and Not a Degree wheel!
(In reference to the #1 Intake valve being acted upon by the #1 Intake lobe of the Cam)
Now, having said all of this; Could someone Make their Own degree wheel to use on the Crank, instead of purchasing or borrowing one. YES, they Could, and it wouldn't be That hard. ( still a Lot more work than just paying the 30.00 and buying it IMHO though)
But this would Not indicate a Different method of centerline installing the Cam. It would only be an argument that you Could make a degree wheel IF you Really wanted to