Is retarding the stock cam a waste of time?

[OutLawSE]

Guys,

I currently have the motor apart and just re-installed the stock cam.
(Due to many issues with the AODE/idle/driveability)

Now, the cam is installed straight up. Would it be worth anything to retard the cam 4 degrees? Would it make that big of a difference?

 

[tmoss]

It might be and it might not be. Have you taken off that cam's valve events? If not, you can't make a sound judgement. Mine was best installed 4° advanced.

 

[Foxfan88]

does advancing a cam make it perform better , does it give it a lope??

 

[tmoss]

Retarding or advancing a cam type judgement has to be based with all the engine/drive train parts in mind. Retarding may be the way to go, or advancing may be the way to go - but you have to have enough information to base the decision on, just don't decide to advance or retard based on anything but the combination your going to use and solid recommndations from people in the know - like people that have run the combo or some of our better known engine builders (if you can get them to cough up some advice).