Different timing chain sets offer varing amounts of adjustability. The more expensive ones usually offer greater adjustability, in smaller increments. How is the proper positon determined and when is an adjustable gear and chain set needed? Thanks for any info.

 

Some sets adjust at the crank while other adjust at the cam. YOU determine the proper position and then use the proper procedure based upon which system you are using at the time. Generally speaking advance moves power down and sacrifices top end and the converse follows. Your question is too general. You need to be more specific in regards to which system you are referring to.

 

I am trying to understand the the theory behind advancing or retarding the cam timing. For the sake of discussion lets say I had a Comp Cams timing set that allows for +4, 0, or - 4 degrees of adjustment on the crank gear and an additional + or - 4 degrees of adjustment on the cam gear. I am installing a new cam (pick one you are familiar with). Why would I need to set it at anything besides zero, and what are the determining factors as to whether it should be advanced or retarded? I really don't know what other questions to ask until I have a basic understanding of what is being accomplished.
Thanks.

 

Boggs said it. Advancing the cam timing increases low end torque, while retarding cam timing increases top end power. By advancing the cam the intake valve closing (IVC) event happens sooner, therefore increasing dynamic compression at low rpm. Just the opposite for retarded cam timing. That's the basics. I, and I'm sure Comp Cams, would recommend you degreeing the cam and keeping it at zero. Had they noticed any improvement in power worthwhile, they would have incorporated the different timing into the grind itself. If you call Comp, I bet they will tell you first to istall it "straight up" see how you like it, and then decide if you want to play with it or not.

 

Thanks to both of you for the reply. If I understand correctly, if I have selected the proper cam for my application there should be no need to set the cam timing at anything other than zero. If however I have installed a particular cam that has a lot of high end power but torque at low rpm's is suffering, I would advance the the cam timing to improve the low end torque. I assume that the sets that can be adjusted in small increments over a wide range would be used primarily by someone who is looking to get every last ounce of performance, such as in a racing application.

 

If your trying to go 1320 feet you have to take into consideration your trasmission and rear end gears. What is your max RPM in top gear? That's where you want to be at the finish line. Changing the cam timing is a form of FINE TUNING to get you there.

 

I don't race. Just having some fun. The FRC is a new hobby for me, so I am just trying to learn what I can. I'm doing H/C and a couple other things this coming fall. I'm just trying to determine what I need to spend my money on. From the info you've given me, a big dollar timing set doesn't sound like one of them. Thanks again!