I'm going to be switching a 97 351 roller engine to carb for my cj8 project. I've read that ford retarded the cam about 4° in the 70s for emissions. Did they ever switch back to not retarding the cam for stock engines? I was thinking about buying an aftermarket timing set and maybe advancing it back to 0° I think I saw a set that was keyed for -4, 0, and +4°. I'm assuming I'd completely lose any top end power if I advance to +4 but 0 should get me more bottom end and mid range than stock. Or Is it that retarding the cam gives more bottom end. I plan on buying a cam ° kit before attempting but thought I'd ask opinions first.

 

Cam timing is straight up on these small block V8s and has been that way from the beginning of EFI at the very least.

Advancing cam timing works similarly to advancing ignition timing.. it moves the powerband down in rpm a little versus up for retarding, but the difference 4deg would make is subtle not dramatic.

 

Any idea how much you could advance it? I doubt I'll ever hit much over 3500 rpms and I prefer my power down low. Someday when I pull the engine again to rebuild it if ever then I'll upgrade the cam.

 

The stock cam in a '94 motor is designed for a 0-4000rpm powerband as it is, just add 1.7 rockers and longtube headers with a 2.5" single exhaust to maximize output.