cam degree power gain?

[dustinmoran91]

This might be a stupid question that cant really be answered but id appreciate everyone trying lol i just degreed my cam in my 318 and it was 8 degrees advanced, so i retarded it so that it was 104 like tge cam card said it should be. How much power do you think this gained if any?

 

[toolmanmike]

It really doesn't make much difference. It just brings the power in at a different rpm.

 

[dustinmoran91]

Ok thanks! That was the type of answer i was looking for, i tried researching it and it was kind of a 50/50 answer. Some said it would gain a few but others said it wouldnt. My thoughts were that since it was tge same cam only at a different timing it should make the same power either way.

 

[toolmanmike]

I ran a few numbers on the desktop dyno program just for comparison. Actually there's slightly more hp with less advance where torque stays within a few ft./lb. between 0 and 6 deg. The cam companies have done their homework and usually build a couple degrees into their cams. tmm

Cam @ 0 deg. 223 hp. @ 4500 rpm. 289 tq. @ 3500 rpm

Cam at 2 deg. 218 hp. @ 4500 rpm. 291 tq. @ 3500 rpm

Cam at 4 deg. 214 hp. @ 4500 rpm. 293 tq. @ 3000 rpm

Cam at 6 deg. 207 hp. @ 4000 rpm. 294 tq. @ 3000 rpm

 

[crackedback]

It depends...

 

[toolmanmike]

Lots of variables eh Cracked?

 

[dustinmoran91]

Well my combo is a 318 with flat top pistons, magnum heads, air gap intake, .501 lift 221@ .050 108 LSA and a 104 intake centerline. Lol dont know if this will stir the pot or not but it never hurts haha

 

[toolmanmike]

I just did a basic 318 with stock heads, 8.5/1 compression, a dual plane intake and a 600 cfm 4 barrel through stock exhaust. I chose a hydraulic cam 268/485. The numbers are for cam advance purposes only. There are so many variables with different engine combos and different cams that could effect the real numbers. tmm

 

[green1]

Ok, I'll start, then let the gurus finesse it. It depends on the application- street, drag, circle, etc. Depends on weight, gear ratios,compression ratio, etc. And drivability on the street, if you want street/strip.

I have installed some cams that I wanted to kick my butt over, just trying to get to work. Waaay to much. With a 10.5 adv cr, 340, and a mid purple, my life could be hell, in town; until I learned timing and carb tricks.

Basically; heavy, no gears-advanced. lighter with gears; depends on what the car wants. Retarded- top end, again, what the car wants.

It is a combination of engine (how it was built), drive train, tires, what you want it to do. Street- go fast as you can? That cam will keep you po'ed; just want a little lope? small cam you will love.