A methodical approach does wonders. You really SHOULD degree the cam, and many of us runnig lower compression (9.5 and less) engines usually benefit by advancing the cam timing by means of a multi-key sprocket set or other means. I had a friend over here due to what the engine "wanted" and the fact that something was a bit off, maybe the cam ground off, we advanced the thing 6 or 8 degrees. It went from a dog to a "scalded dog". This was in a pickup, so it needed more mid range torque.