i am about to throw a cam into my 3.4 and i read in the comp cams book that some factory replacement gears may be set to 4* retarded and that i will not be able to get the most out of my cam. has anyone had any problem with stock replacements being 4* retarded...if i had the optoin for a double roller chain.. should i set it ar 4* advanced, strait up, or 4* retarded? cam specs are .440/.440 ......212/212* at .050 lift
edit...i dont know why this happens, but i this apple at school like to mess with where i post....or i may be retarded a bit too

 

Replacements aren't retarded; only factory ones.

Oh, and the factory ones delay all valve events by 4° (as compared to timing sets from before about 1971 or so), too, in addition to being retarded.

Use a good-quality new timing set (SET, not just a chain); not the cheeeepest thing that calls itself "roller" that you can find. The cheaper "rollers", otherwise known as "truck chain", are inferior to regular stock-style Link-Belt chain.

Install the cam "straight up", unless you (a) have a way of degreeing it in accurately, and (b) already know EXACTLY how that cam runs in YOUR motor when installed straight-up, and (c) know what changing the intake centerline will do to that exact cam in YOUR motor. If any of those 3 things is not true, just put it in at 0° on the timing set and leave it alone.

 

moving the cam timing adv/ret moves your powerband higher or lower.

Generally most people will leave it straight up.