just wondering how to tell from the cam card if the cam is supposed to be installed straight up or 4 degrees advanced? i could get a degree wheel but if its just going to end up straight up then why waste time, any info would be great thanks.

 

For a stock cam and drive, not necessary. With a performance cam and adjustable drive it is as you'll find even with all components installed as directed it will likely be off from desired position.

 

had a 1982 ram, HEAVY DUTY 3/4 ton. 5,200 lbs. built a 360 with a 68, 340 4 speed cam at 4 degrees advanced. it did fine. my MPG was 7-8. i do NOT recommend that cam for a daily driver. do NOT try 6 degree advance. and a mild cam should not need advanced cam. would walk all over a stock ford diesel truck.

 

i have a timing chain that will allow 4 degrees advance or retard. my cam is comp ex 488-491 lift with 10.2:1 comp ratio. i dont care about driveability just want it to work to the best of its ability.

 

just remember advancing or retarding a cam does NOT give you more or less total power. it only rocks the torque shifting low RPM power to high RPM. you do NOT get more or less total power. if i was doing a high performance cam again i would set it 4 advanced. if i was doing a mild cam i would put it heads up.

 

this is in a heavy truck so maybe straight up is the way to go? i will get a wheel and check it to the card. whatever the card says would be ideal no?

 

Heavy vehicle makes me think straight or advanced, but duration, manual/auto and final drive ratio come into play with adjusting power curve.

 

its a 5 speed truck, gears now are 3ish id say, i plan on 4:10s. would the advanced setting be better for that?

 

http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...?csid=628&sb=2

this is the cam i have in the engine now