I bought a new Clowes double-roller timing set for my 273 Commando. It has three key positions, so you can install the cam advanced, at zero, or retarded. I understand that advancing the cam makes more low end torque, and retarding it makes more peak power. My question is, how much would the torque peak move given 2 degrees of cam advance? Would it come in 200 rpm lower, or 500, or 1000?
The stock Commando has a torque peak at 4000rpm, which is unusually high. So that's why I'm asking -- would it make sense for day-to-day driving to move it down somewhat?
The 273 is mostly stock, with .030-over TRW hypereutectic pistons and a Crower hydraulic cam (advertised duration 264, .427 lift). I'm running a 904 with stock converter and a 3.23SG. So my thinking was it only sees 4000rpm for a few seconds at a time, and then only rarely on WOT acceleration.
But someone told me they once tried 4 degree cam advance on a small block, and hated the result. Of course, there are small blocks and there are small blocks, with very different characteristics -- for comparison, the 273 2bbl has a torque peak at 1600rpm -- a very different kettle of fish.
So I was looking for any real world experiences. Thanks in advance.
The stock Commando has a torque peak at 4000rpm, which is unusually high. So that's why I'm asking -- would it make sense for day-to-day driving to move it down somewhat?
The 273 is mostly stock, with .030-over TRW hypereutectic pistons and a Crower hydraulic cam (advertised duration 264, .427 lift). I'm running a 904 with stock converter and a 3.23SG. So my thinking was it only sees 4000rpm for a few seconds at a time, and then only rarely on WOT acceleration.
But someone told me they once tried 4 degree cam advance on a small block, and hated the result. Of course, there are small blocks and there are small blocks, with very different characteristics -- for comparison, the 273 2bbl has a torque peak at 1600rpm -- a very different kettle of fish.
So I was looking for any real world experiences. Thanks in advance.