Cam Timeing

[Radar12158]

Anybody have any experience with advancing or retarding cam timeing for better mileage/power. I have a 97 2.3 5spd.

 

[v8318cid]

I've tweaked my 92 2.3 before to see what I'd get, but due to a coil pack problem, never really confirmed whether or not it worked. Several people here state that adjusting the base timing will not work because the computer will compensate. Not sure of that though. I've managed to get quite a bit of pinging if I advanced my engine more than one notch which suggests the ECU can't compensate totally. Any thoughts anyone?

 

[4b316]

You can adjust the cam timing and get good results.Somewheres between 2-5 degrees is about right depending on mods.Jumping one tooth on the belt is over 10 degrees and just too much resulting in pinging or just no power.The computor can't adjust to a mechanical change.If you change the ignition timing by electrical means,the computor will bring it back to base line.If you adjust the ignition timing by mechanical means,the computor doesn't know that and still fires where it suppose to.JMO

 

[v8318cid]

Makes sense. Especially if your engine lacks a cam sensor. It fires exclusively off of the crank sensor if I'm not mistaken.