Cam Install: To Advance, To Retard, or Shoot for Straight Up?

Hello FABO Members!

So this is my second motor build and I am looking for some advice… Should I install this cam a little advanced, a little retarded (not funny), or just straight up?

The Car: 1969 Dodge Dart GT Convertible. Being restored in this thread here.

The Engine: 69 dated 273 (non-commando) with original 2 Barrel Carter BBD, stock distributor with Pertronix Igniter II and Flamethrower II coil. Stock heads that have been cleaned up with new seals and reseated valves (no porting or milling). Stock pistons, new rings, stock crank and rods. Stock exhaust manifolds. Going to run dual 2.5” exhaust with H pipe. Basically, it’s really stock. The motor ran well before but has 110 -120 k miles and just needed to freshen up to go along with the restoration. The motor will be all street, but would like a little more power and low end torque:burnout:, which led us to replacing the camshaft in a thread here.

The Camshaft: Melling MTD-1 RV “Torquer Cam” Specs are attached below:


The Question is: Should I install this Cam advanced, retarded, or straight up? If the answer is advanced, how do I do that? Do I just advance the Cam gear one tooth?

Also* I am using a stock replacement timing gear set.

I appreciate any and all input! Thanks!:prayer: