Rover V8 camshaft timing

[100SRV]

Right, another question - the cloyes timing gear has arrived for my V8 and it has the option of advancing or retarding the cam timing by 4° degrees. The camshaft is a standard 3.9 EFI and the engine is fed by a pair of SU HIF6 caburetters. It was pretty torquey before I took it to pieces so I am not sure whether to take advantage of the trick crankshaft timing sprocket and tinker with the timing, but which way to go? Does it have a pronounced effect on the engine's performance? It is easy enough to change if I don't like it but I'd be interested to hear of other PH'ers experiences...

While the camshaft is out are there any recommendations for alternative types to try? Nothing too drastic as it is more a fast road / off road tool...

[Steve_D]

Can't advise on the advance/retard other than to ask the cam manufacturer or find a data sheet online.
My question is how are you going to set the cam timing? If you have a timing wheel then fine. If not then beware the front pully may be telling porky's. Just checked mine and found the marking for TDC is about 2 degrees out.

Steve

[rev-erend]

I read Dave Walker (Emerald ECU) book on EFI systems and tuning and his advice was to test the extent the advance / retard limits of valves hitting pistons during the engine build ..

But from what I have heard - when you choose an alternative timing figure there is usually a trade off.

The optimum is usually the advised place.

Of course - don't take it from us - call someone like Dave Walker or Jules and ask them.

[VictorMeldrew]

I has a Cloyes adjustable timing set in my garage, unused, never fitted. I thought it sounded a good idea, so when I bought all the bits for my engine rebuild that's what I went for. Dom at TVR Power wasn't impressed and didn't recommend fitting it. I got a fixed one instead.

[That Daddy]

The Kent cams units are good quality vernier kits,not the cheapest but........,

[100SRV]

Thanks for the input, I think I'll set it up in the stock position as there was plenty of power before it was stripped and will be even better when rebuilt....can't wait to hear that V8 again and just to egg me on all I've heard this morning are fruity cars zipping about...

100SRV