adjusting timing

[xfactor evo]

Ok so I don't think I have seen a thread about this. I read a post on another thread that got me wondering. Since originally putting the cams in the car a few years ago I just left them retarded 2 degrees both intake and exhaust. I eventually brought my car up to Vishnu for a tune. Shiv never did do anything with the timing. Last time I got the car tuned same thing they were just left at -2.

My question is would or could I benefit from advancing them? I have heard of people advancing on cam while retarding another. I really do not know much about this so any feedback will be appreciated. I will be having my car tuned in the next few days after the rebuild is complete.

[BISHILVR]

Well, you cant really make a general statement about this because some cars would benefit and some would lose, the only way to find out is to make changes while on a dyno and check out the results.

[xfactor evo]

but you do want to advance the timing as much as possible no?

[BISHILVR]

Depends on what kind of power/torque you want to make and where in the powerband you want it, that simple really.

[xfactor evo]

ok. cause i had messed with them before adjusting the timinng back and forth and whatnot, but every other way it seemed to lose power whereas at -2 -2 it seemed the strongest. i wasn't sure if adjusting them while i have the car tuned will net higher gains over the full curve. really i want the broadest torque and hp curve rather than just having a really high number, ya know?

[BISHILVR]

I understand what you are after yes, like I say though there is no given configuration that will fit all dsms, you would really have to set them and then dyno it, move them again and dyno it etc until you get the most torque in the most load points, generally setting them straight up according to the cam card seems to be the best compromise for broadest power curve.

[LSR Mike]

The basic rule of thumb on cams is advance for low rpm performance, retard for high rpm performance. that's why you like the -2 degrees... in LSR I ran a SBC 350 with -5 degrees of cam and +36 advance on the distributor. LSR is all about the high RPM.

[Demon Eclipse]

all depends on if you want low end power or top end power advance for low end retard for top end i adjust mine all the time its so much easier with adjustable cam gears i would recommend getting some if you don't have any you can benefit alot from them...

[xfactor evo]

i had tuned last night after finishing up the rebuild. i just said screw it and left her at -2/-2. the ported head and big tb made a big difference up top and i am happy at the moment.