Okay guys sorry in advance but this gives me a headache.

When it comes to timing i understand that you can advance the timing by turning the distributor witch can give you more HP to a point. But when selecting a larger cam what is the benefit by setting the timing at the timing chain and how does it work.

Thanks In Advance

 

Turning the distributor affects the ignition timing - when the plugs fire. The timing chain affect the valve timing - when the valves open and close.

An after market cam will be intended to run with a certain orientation to the crank. If you choose to time it differently it will perform differently than intended (maybe better, maybe worse, others might be able to tell you which if you give specifics).

Same with the factory cam. Some say the engine runs better if you change the cam timing a little (retard it a few degrees?).

 

As a rule of thumb, advancing cam timing generates more tq at the expense of top end, and retarding promotes upper rpm hp while sacrificing low end. You can certainly go either way with an aftermarket cam, but how much it reacts to the change depends on a lot of variables.

 

You can also sort of cheat valve to piston clearances with playing with the cam timing if you're on the ragged edge.