I was plugging some #s into DD2000 with my current setup after the cam swap.
I was adjusting the timing section and -8 gave me considerable more HP. Like 10-20 or so I forget right now, but can I do this? I'm sure my brother will know, as he will set the timing for me, but I was looking to get a faster answer. I thought you were supposed to advance the timing for more HP.

 

Outside timing is backwards, meaning that -8 on the bal is +8 on the motor I think. Meaning that you advance it +8 on the reading and it will give you -8 in the motor. Hope this helps.

 

OK. On DD2000 it says - is retarded and + is advanced.

Oops, it's showing 9 more HP at -8.

 

9 upper end HP is not worth retarding the cam 8 degrees.

 

How far should I advance the timing then? And how much HP do you think I would get out of it?

 

I think what you were playing with in DD2000 was cam timing. Thats the phasing of the cam relative to the crank. Advancing the cam opens the valves sooner, reatrding it opens it later. Advancing the cam usually builds more low end. Retarding it makes more power.
Thats what madmax was referring to, and that 8' of cam retard is pretty extreme.

Set ignition timing so it is consistent with best measured performance. You can't predict this value with a computer, or even by listening to other people. TnT is your friend

 

I'd install it straight up or maybe a couple degrees advanced if your car is stock weight. It'll have soggy low end otherwise.

 

I think that all the cam manufacturers grind their cams so that installing it "straight up" actually results in the cam being 4 degrees advanced.

Why?

To provide some bottom end power without confusing newbies with the reason that they ground it that way.

 

I say you leave the timing alone. My timing was advanced 4 degreees before and my car started to blow out white smoke at crank. I think it wears out teh valves too. Not worth it from my point of view.

 

Just noticed the timing was in the cam section of it, so thanks guys.

 

DD2000 gets silly like that. The program has some quirks.

The cam I'm playing with in DD2000 (CC 8-305-8)will let me go to +/-14 and it makes a drastic difference. I'd never consider more that 4 one way or the other. If I thought the cam was lacking in the higher RPM area I'd retard it some, if I needed more down low I'd advance it some. But... never as far as DD2000 will let you go.

 

Yes, you might gain 9+ hp at the peak by retarding the cam
that much from the stock timing but you'll give up too much midrange torque. Resulting in a net loss in performance.
It is best to install the cam as per the manufactures cam card
first, try it, then adjust from there. Usually if you need to actually move the cam by more than 8 degs, u need to select a different cam. Cam manufactures generally "grind in" some advance
in their designs. (4/5 deg) this has been found to result in the best overall torque curve and allows for some timing chain wear.