The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Cam installation questions (When/Why to degree a cam)?????

*Billla* · 12-20-2006, 10:59 AM

I'll acknowledge my limited experience here - I have never advanced/retarded a cam beyond 3 degrees. Only one of those engines was dynoed, and the only comparison I had was a "similar" engine with the same cam installed at the factory advance...a suspect comparison.

The curves didn't just move, they changed shape. GENERALLY, advancing will improve low-end TQ at the expense of peak HP. If there's interest, I can take a shot with DD to see if we can get some (simulated) real-world numbers.

I've always been able to find a cam that fit the needs of the engine without having to resort to this. There are SO many choices in today's cam and relatively inexpensive custom grinds so that you can get what you want without having to change timing during installation.

slightly reduced peak power

12-20-2006, 10:59 AM	#4
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,814	Re: Cam installation questions (When/Why to degree a cam)????? I'll acknowledge my limited experience here - I have never advanced/retarded a cam beyond 3 degrees. Only one of those engines was dynoed, and the only comparison I had was a "similar" engine with the same cam installed at the factory advance...a suspect comparison. The curves didn't just move, they changed shape. GENERALLY, advancing will improve low-end TQ at the expense of peak HP. If there's interest, I can take a shot with DD to see if we can get some (simulated) real-world numbers. I've always been able to find a cam that fit the needs of the engine without having to resort to this. There are SO many choices in today's cam and relatively inexpensive custom grinds so that you can get what you want without having to change timing during installation. slightly reduced peak power