Advance or retard?

[tryingbe]

Every since I got my Daytona running, vacuum is kind of low at 14 inch at start up and 16 inch warmed up in neutral. Car doesn't feel to have the mid or the top end at all.

Did compression test and leak down today.

All 4 is 130-140psi
All 4 has less than 3% leak down.

So, do I need to advance the cam gear or retard it?

[Gaboon]

First thing I would do is ensure you're not off a tooth and igntion timing is set to 12 deg btdc. If everything check out fine, retard the cam slightly (2 deg increments at a time) until you find the sweet spot. Keep in mind, each mark on an adjustable cam gear is worth two degrees. As well, if using offset cam keys, each key is worth double the amount of degrees as advertised. (example: 1 deg cam key actually = 2 degrees of advance or retard) 2 deg cam key will advance or retard a total of 4 deg...etc

(advanceing cam = torque, lower end) (retarding cam = higher end or hp)

[tryingbe]

Thanks for the info.

Is clock-wise advance or retard?

[cordes]

Thanks for the info.

Is clock-wise advance or retard?

You need to think about how the cam will rotate in relation to the crank. When you move the cam sprocket counter clockwise it advances the cam in relation to the crank. When you move it clockwise, it retards it.

If you are only getting that much vac, and have a stock cam, I would bet you are off a tooth with the cam timing in general. Double check it to see where you are at.

[ScottD]

Put the engine at TDC and slip a stock timing belt cover on. Pop that little plug out at the top of the timing cover. If the cam is timed correctly, the oblong hole in the cam sprocket should be right in the middle of the timing cover hole. If it isn't, advance or retard it so that it is. This trick is on Gary Donovan's site and over the years I've found is the easiest and most accurate way to check the cam timing.