Thread: Setting cam timing

Originally Posted by RoverP6B

With regard to camshaft timing, it was my understanding that if you advance the timing this will improve low end torque, as opposed to retarding the camshaft timing to after TDC as this will reduce low end torque.

Or am I missing something?

Ron.

Correct. The cam design also is an important factor here, the PC216 is a middle of the road lift, good profile cam. It has excellent vac at idle and will give good mid power. The fitment to a big cube hi comp engine, IE 4.6 over a 3.5, will negate some of the bottom end reduction when retarded, but in an automatic trans application will be a good match in the 1800 to 3000 rpm rev range. The vacuum at idle will be less when valve timing is retarded, but if advanced too far the cams design characteristics will be compromised.

So, when we talk retarding cam timing in this context, it is only sometimes performed to achieve the specs with regard to lift etc that are supplied with the cam itself, which then allows the cam to work in your engine as it was designed to do. Retarding or advancing a standard cam is almost pointless and will more than likely reduce performance across the board.

JC