timing question

[hohner0006]

What is the advantage to running the camshaft in the 4 degree advance position? I have a well built 401 that I use for racing only. When I installed my custom solid lift cam I put the timing gears in in the normal straight-up position. Since my motor is built for high rpm power would the 4 degree advance position gain anything? The cam comes in around 3500 rpm, I have a 4,200 stall, 2" upright headers, single plane intake and the heads are ported. Thanks!

[AMX69PHATTY]

Advancing shifts the power band down in RPM's a little.
Retarding shifts the power band up in RPM's a little.
When using a degree wheel, cam can be dialed in,
Intake centerline can be tweaked to match the cam card.
Advancing closes intake valve sooner, increases dynamic CR.
Retarding closes intake valve later, decreases dynamic CR.
Also used to tweak piston to valve clearance, moves overlap.