RE: cam advance (timing gear adjustmnent)

[Russ Souterlin <rusell.s.southerlin@ast.lmco.com>]

Bob,
I have played around with both advancing and retarding the cam one tooth
on the cam sprocket on my 87 5KTQ. The way I setup the cam shaft is set
the distributor rotor pointing at #1 cyc. and the flywheel timing mark
is at 0 deg. This should set #1 cyc. at TDC. In this config. the notch
on the timing gear should line up with the valve cover/head interface
for stock cam timing. This next part is the part I am trying to recall
from memory. If you move the cam spocket one tooth above the valve
cover/head interface it will advance the cam (rotate the cam sprocket
CCW as viewed from the front of the car).  Likewise one tooth below the
valve cover/head interface will retard the cam. It is real obvious to
see the +/- one tooth change. Since the distribotor drive is off the cam
shaft you have to remember to reset the distributor timing marks (static
timing) or she will not start.

With the cam advanced the engine does seem to pull a little stronger
from low RPM but you don't get as much punch from the turbo.

With it retarded one tooth it is a real dog off the line but in the
upper RPM ranges it pulls like a freight train. Fun but not real
practical.

I have ended up leaving mine at stock setting for now as it seems like
this is a good compromise. 

A variable cam sprocket would be just the ticket!!!!!

Good luck
Russ
87 5KTQ