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

[SheSaid]

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!rayer:

 

[Skeeter]

On mine I "centerlined" my cam which is the same as "straight up". That said any changes in timing advance or retard with the distributer (vacuum or mechanical) are equal in affect. Think two sine waves on an occilliscope, if they are "straight up" they line up symetrically. If they are out of phase (advanced or retarded) the lines appear out of sync. Overlap, duration affect this also. Centerlined,staight up is the best place to start in my opinion as a baseline. As far as gears I've always used the hd double roller steel not the nylon stockers just cheap insurance in case of tooth loss and valves hit pistons. P.S. cam cards are'nt always exact no matter how you install your cam physically degree it.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I would go straight up on that. You need to remember most cams are ground with 4* of advance INTO them. You don't want to advance that little cam too much, you might run into spark knock.

 

[K.O. SWINGER]

I agree with strokerscamp for that cam

 

[crackedback]

Psssstt, that cam has 4* advance in it if installed at 108...

Install it like the card says and run it.

 

[dodge freak]

Never skip a tooth, that be like 20 degrees/ They sell 3 way gear sets for $50 and up/ always line up the dots

 

[SheSaid]

I had a feeling straight up was the way to go. But if I didn't ask then I would've always wondered if I was leaving something on the table.

Thanks again FABO!