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.

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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 :eek:

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?

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

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.;)

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:D