stock timing myth
 

hey guys I have a question. I am going to be replacing my stock timing chain here in a couple days and one of the guys at work told me that there is a way to advance of retard the cam timing to gain some extra power in diffrent power bands. So is this true? Can you install the stock timing chain diffrently to gain power? He said that it was as simple as installing the chain a tooth forward or so from where it says stock. And if there is what do I do and what base timing do I set it to. Will it affect smog restrictions in california?
thanks for the help.

Nope, he's pulling your leg. To advance or retard the timing, you need an adjustable timing chain kit. It has several keyways ground into the crank sprocket to allow the small amount of movement needed to make a few degrees change in cam to crank relation.

Changing it a hole tooth will cause huge problems. Jeff is right...look into the Ford Racing 9-way adjustable if you want to play with cam timing, it is a very nice piece.

thanks guys i thought that it was not possible but when you hear of those simple way/tricks to squeese hp or torque out of your engine naturaly you want to believe. thanks once again.
p.s. I see both of your names all over this web site, what is your back ground in racing? I am just getting into racing at the age of 23. And I have developed the love for road and track racing.

Ya 1 tooth is definately too much. Alot of timing sets out there come with 3 positions. a 0 one and then 3 advanced and 3 retarded. Ive never tried myself because im not sure which would work out best and i dont feel like pulling the front cover off 3 times to get it right.

First off I've never changed a cam so all i know i read in mags.
that being said, a couple of years ago i read in mmff or 5.0 where they retarded a stock cam 2* with pretty impressive inprovement they tested both w/ no other changes. It seems they made it look no prob they just used a degree wheel and retared 2*.
so i just typed all this & now i see he is not talking about removing the cam so i did'nt tell you nothin u did'nt aready know
stupidstupidstupid
but the 2* retard looked like it was worth it hp wise??

Just to add one thing to the above. You will change your emissions if you touch the cam timing. You will be phasing your valves to open at a different time of combustion and you will fail a emission check.