Cam question
Thread Starter
Suckin' gas, haulin' ass.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 8
From: Newport News Virginia
Cam question
I'm somewhat not in the know on camshafts and whatnot, but I have a general idea on what I'm looking for.
My question concerns cam timing, but before I go any further this is what I have:
Comp Cams 12-432-8
110° Lobe-Center Angle, 106° Intake Centerline, 230° Duration @ .050" Int., 236° Duration @ .050" Ex., .510" Lift Int., .520" Lift Ex
Assume supporting mods (intake, exhaust, stock alum. heads) for this motor (350CI) are installed. This is a carb'd car.
Obviosly I will have to degree in this cam as will any other. My timing set has an option of -4°, 0°, +4° timing marks on it.
The car is going to be a track only car, not subjected to any kind of inspection except a tech inspection.
Should I advance or retard the cam, or install it straight up.
Thanks.
My question concerns cam timing, but before I go any further this is what I have:
Comp Cams 12-432-8
110° Lobe-Center Angle, 106° Intake Centerline, 230° Duration @ .050" Int., 236° Duration @ .050" Ex., .510" Lift Int., .520" Lift Ex
Assume supporting mods (intake, exhaust, stock alum. heads) for this motor (350CI) are installed. This is a carb'd car.
Obviosly I will have to degree in this cam as will any other. My timing set has an option of -4°, 0°, +4° timing marks on it.
The car is going to be a track only car, not subjected to any kind of inspection except a tech inspection.
Should I advance or retard the cam, or install it straight up.
Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
I'm somewhat not in the know on camshafts and whatnot, but I have a general idea on what I'm looking for.
My question concerns cam timing, but before I go any further this is what I have:
Comp Cams 12-432-8
110° Lobe-Center Angle, 106° Intake Centerline, 230° Duration @ .050" Int., 236° Duration @ .050" Ex., .510" Lift Int., .520" Lift Ex
Assume supporting mods (intake, exhaust, stock alum. heads) for this motor (350CI) are installed. This is a carb'd car.
Obviosly I will have to degree in this cam as will any other. My timing set has an option of -4°, 0°, +4° timing marks on it.
The car is going to be a track only car, not subjected to any kind of inspection except a tech inspection.
Should I advance or retard the cam, or install it straight up.
Thanks.
My question concerns cam timing, but before I go any further this is what I have:
Comp Cams 12-432-8
110° Lobe-Center Angle, 106° Intake Centerline, 230° Duration @ .050" Int., 236° Duration @ .050" Ex., .510" Lift Int., .520" Lift Ex
Assume supporting mods (intake, exhaust, stock alum. heads) for this motor (350CI) are installed. This is a carb'd car.
Obviosly I will have to degree in this cam as will any other. My timing set has an option of -4°, 0°, +4° timing marks on it.
The car is going to be a track only car, not subjected to any kind of inspection except a tech inspection.
Should I advance or retard the cam, or install it straight up.
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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A simulation would help decide the best option.
If you have the supporting mods, my first thought would be to retard it as Pete K pointed out. When you develop more top end power and stay in a lower gear longer, you usually end up going faster. But, that's not always a given.
Had I opted for a track car, I would have retarded mine and installed the HSR. My simulation showed that to be faster (more power up top).
93Rubie has it backwards.
If you have the supporting mods, my first thought would be to retard it as Pete K pointed out. When you develop more top end power and stay in a lower gear longer, you usually end up going faster. But, that's not always a given.
Had I opted for a track car, I would have retarded mine and installed the HSR. My simulation showed that to be faster (more power up top).
93Rubie has it backwards.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,697
Likes: 1,666
From: moraga ca
Backwards, as Pete stated, advancing the cam moves the power band lower. Retarding it moves it higher. Normally a track car will utilize a higher rpm band.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,134
Likes: 531
From: Glenbeulah Wi
That cam is pretty big for a 350, I would install it at the 106 Intake centerline that cam card recommends. You need to degree it to be sure where the installed centerline really is, do not rely on the -4, 0, +4 timing chain. The 106 ICL will help low end power and the engine will still peak north of 6000 RPM and probably want to be shifted at 6500 RPM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
A simulation would help decide the best option.
If you have the supporting mods, my first thought would be to retard it as Pete K pointed out. When you develop more top end power and stay in a lower gear longer, you usually end up going faster. But, that's not always a given.
Had I opted for a track car, I would have retarded mine and installed the HSR. My simulation showed that to be faster (more power up top).
93Rubie has it backwards.
If you have the supporting mods, my first thought would be to retard it as Pete K pointed out. When you develop more top end power and stay in a lower gear longer, you usually end up going faster. But, that's not always a given.
Had I opted for a track car, I would have retarded mine and installed the HSR. My simulation showed that to be faster (more power up top).
93Rubie has it backwards.
If I had a dollar for everytime, I did something boneheaded well...I would not have to work.
