Cam advance/retard??????????

429mustang · 05-16-2002, 11:09 AM

I'm building up a 355 for my 85 Astrovan, I'm using the Performer RPM intake/cam/carb, ported heads, 700r4 trans. The timing chain set can be set at 0, +4, or -4. I read that advancing it will give you better low end toeque, retarding will be more upper rpm. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I should set it at to get the most out of the cam? I figured I should advance it being I'm running an auto and still have the stocck stall converter.

429mustang · 05-16-2002, 12:57 PM

Shogun · 05-16-2002, 03:13 PM

Ya, advance it, my buddy and I did a 4 degree advance on his dodge truck and it made a big difference. A lot more low end. But make sure you have enough piston to valve clearence. Or the first time you rev th motor it will make evil sounds, not in a good way

429mustang · 05-16-2002, 04:58 PM

I just checked out the cam card, it say to set it at 0. I'll probably end up putting it there, I wish it was easier to get to the chain after I put the motor back together so I could try both. SHOGUN, when you advanced it, did it seem to affect the upper rpm power at all?

PKRWUD · 05-16-2002, 05:30 PM

After you tighten the chain, but before you bolt on the cover, hook up a compression gauge and crank it over 5 or 6 times. Do this for each setting of the timing set degree options. The set up that gives you the highest compression will work the best with your engine.

Take care,
-Chris

Shogun · 05-17-2002, 12:24 AM

PKRWUD has a good point. definately use the setting with the highest compression readings. Also, we did not notice any loss at the top of the rpm range, then again, it is a truck.

Shogun · 05-19-2002, 05:06 AM

Well, what kind of numbers did you come up with? What setting for the cam? love to hear the numbers. just for $hits and giggles

05-16-2002, 11:09 AM	#1
429mustang Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: westerville, OH USA Posts: 618	Cam advance/retard?????????? I'm building up a 355 for my 85 Astrovan, I'm using the Performer RPM intake/cam/carb, ported heads, 700r4 trans. The timing chain set can be set at 0, +4, or -4. I read that advancing it will give you better low end toeque, retarding will be more upper rpm. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I should set it at to get the most out of the cam? I figured I should advance it being I'm running an auto and still have the stocck stall converter. __________________ 1990 Notchback: BBK Ceramic Coated Full length headers, Dr. Gas 3"- 2 1/2" x-pipe, Flowmaster 40's/turndowns.

05-16-2002, 12:57 PM	#2
429mustang Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: westerville, OH USA Posts: 618	? __________________ 1990 Notchback: BBK Ceramic Coated Full length headers, Dr. Gas 3"- 2 1/2" x-pipe, Flowmaster 40's/turndowns.

05-16-2002, 03:13 PM	#3
Shogun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Nebraska Posts: 86	Advance Ya, advance it, my buddy and I did a 4 degree advance on his dodge truck and it made a big difference. A lot more low end. But make sure you have enough piston to valve clearence. Or the first time you rev th motor it will make evil sounds, not in a good way __________________ Proud RHC member #99 1990 Mustang GT Trick Flow heads,F303,Mac cold air,FMS 65mm tb,73mm ma,FMS 1.6,GT-40 intake,MSD igintion,NOS Big Shot@150,Mac equal shorties,Mac h-pipe,American Thunder flows,Centerforce dual friction,TTC 3550,alm drive shaft, 3.73's, HPM subframes, k-member brace, strut tower brace.. amongst others.

05-16-2002, 04:58 PM	#4
429mustang Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: westerville, OH USA Posts: 618	I just checked out the cam card, it say to set it at 0. I'll probably end up putting it there, I wish it was easier to get to the chain after I put the motor back together so I could try both. SHOGUN, when you advanced it, did it seem to affect the upper rpm power at all? __________________ 1990 Notchback: BBK Ceramic Coated Full length headers, Dr. Gas 3"- 2 1/2" x-pipe, Flowmaster 40's/turndowns.

05-16-2002, 05:30 PM	#5
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	After you tighten the chain, but before you bolt on the cover, hook up a compression gauge and crank it over 5 or 6 times. Do this for each setting of the timing set degree options. The set up that gives you the highest compression will work the best with your engine. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

05-17-2002, 12:24 AM	#6
Shogun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Nebraska Posts: 86	cam advance PKRWUD has a good point. definately use the setting with the highest compression readings. Also, we did not notice any loss at the top of the rpm range, then again, it is a truck. __________________ Proud RHC member #99 1990 Mustang GT Trick Flow heads,F303,Mac cold air,FMS 65mm tb,73mm ma,FMS 1.6,GT-40 intake,MSD igintion,NOS Big Shot@150,Mac equal shorties,Mac h-pipe,American Thunder flows,Centerforce dual friction,TTC 3550,alm drive shaft, 3.73's, HPM subframes, k-member brace, strut tower brace.. amongst others.

05-19-2002, 05:06 AM	#7
Shogun Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Nebraska Posts: 86	Degree setting? Well, what kind of numbers did you come up with? What setting for the cam? love to hear the numbers. just for $hits and giggles __________________ Proud RHC member #99 1990 Mustang GT Trick Flow heads,F303,Mac cold air,FMS 65mm tb,73mm ma,FMS 1.6,GT-40 intake,MSD igintion,NOS Big Shot@150,Mac equal shorties,Mac h-pipe,American Thunder flows,Centerforce dual friction,TTC 3550,alm drive shaft, 3.73's, HPM subframes, k-member brace, strut tower brace.. amongst others.