I'll be running 10:1 with my vette L98, i'm wondering if i need to retard or advance it more or less than standard. Do I increase my chances of having cooling problems? I'm going to run a colder plug.

Should I change the cam timing too? I'm in the dark about cam timing could someone explain it?

 

For starters, use the stock ignition timing spec. I believe it's 6* BTDC just like an FBody engine. It should be set with the timing wire disconnected.

Cam timing is different. It relates to when the valve opening and closing events happen. Installing it "straight up" (not advanced or retarded) will make all the valve events happen just like they appear on the cam spec card. Retarding the cam timing makes everything happen later relative to crankshaft position. Advancing it makes everything happen sooner relative to crank position. There are several methods of doing this but they all involve making slight adjustments up on the timing chain at the front of the motor. And since that's buried under the water pump, balancer and timing chain cover generally you set the cam timing when you assemble the motor and leave it be for the life of the engine.

Advancing the cam timing generally builds a little more bottom end torque and retarding it generally builds a little more high RPM power. But these are broad generalizations. Unless you know EXACTLY WHY you are changing the cam timing- INSTALL IT STRAIGHT UP!

 

What grade of gas are you able to put in there? If you can get 93 or 94 ocatan, I dont think you'll have a problem with the 10:1. I can only get 91 ocatane crap here, but when I had 93 or 94 ocatane in there it was fine. Even on the 91 octane though, its not that bad, I just get some ping at wot at the top of second and third gears. Im hoping to fix this with a custom prom.