Timing Set ?

The retarded timing issue I have heard 2 opinons on how it was done. I have heard that the camshaft timing was retarded at the keyway on the stock timing set but...I have also heard that the dowel on the camshaft was moved in order to achieve the new timing. The only way to tell how it was done is by comparing the original timing marks with the new set after you get the old set out.

The good news is the replacement sets are all "straight up" or 0* units and the picture of the set you posted, appears to be 0*. They are not retarded.

I never noticed much of a performance gain after I replaced mine but it does run better as the old nylon stocker had some slack. It still pings when I use lower grade fuels.

For the timing set, get one with rollers, and no seams, that's plenty for anything but a high performance high rpm engine.

Checking the cam timing is smart if you think it may possibly be off or wrong. The degree wheel is not that expensive, and it's fun to check it.

A roller cam(custom not off the shelf) has gone up like everything else, what used to be $400 is closer to $500 now. Don't pay more than that, and many custom cam guys used to give a $100 discount for being a forum member of some forums.

A real custom roller cam is a lot better than any flat tappet, but also because it usually requires unique valve springs to work with it. The custom cam is great, but using one with an unknown spring is not smart, you will give up efficiency, reliability, high rpm power, and lifespan. The special valve springs will be beehive, lighter, stronger, and specifically chosen by the cam designer to work better and last longer. With lesser springs(whatever comes on the new heads), the cam cannot be as big with as fast of ramp rates, it has to be slower and with easier rates to save the springs. It's a special dance of parts, which is why no one should select a cam, or take advice towards one. Let the true expert design the cam, and tell you what springs to install with it. That's the best, everything else is a tossed together wish list of parts, so might as well go super cheap with cheap parts.