4 deg advance
 

Hello all
My question regards a 74 Dart with 318, OK this is not mopar
but the question is really general in nature, and besides I am a Ford
guy.
The gear on the dodge finally let go after what 40 years,
so when I bought a new one, I bought a true double roller
from S.A. Gears. It has setting for 3 timing positions,
O= factory
A= 4 deg advance
B= 4 deg retard.
Does anyone see a problem with setting the gear at 4 deg before
I think I was running 10 deg BTDC.
Any thoughts?

Difference there between ignition timing, and cam timing.

If you run advance on the cam gear, you'll gain higher RPM power and a deeper or later torque curve but will suffer lower end power and probable some idle stability as well and possible lower vacuum values. 'Potential' for power brake issues. A higher performance cam used with advance, high compressions, can suffer detonation as well.
Same goes with cam retarded, you'll gain lower end torque, but power will fall off earlier in the RPM's

The option for cam settings is or in affect to tune for what type of performance, max engine performance, or driving/ racing you plan to build for. Also, when degreeing the cam/valve train, you may be surprised that a factory non adjustable gear set can actually be off a tad. The reason so many builders degree before choosing a gear set type. So the option for adjustment can help gain a more acurate or precise timing.

Without using a degree setup, anyone's guess on what 'actual' cam timing would be. Generally,, it's pretty close, if a stock driver car, the 0 is the way to go in most cases. If it were degreed, and found to be factory retarded a few degrees, then advancing to 4 (some sets have 2 degree) may help with performance.

thanks Hayapower...
After doing some reading, I was just going to use Factory setting, and
you confirmed that..
Best