Is there an easy way to know roughly what duration cam I got in my engine? Stock, mild or hot?
I never had another engine and can't compare with another known stock or modified engine.
I have a 1962 235 with a 1955 9-1/4 flywheel (original trans) with BB, 5 and triangle marks.
It seems the triangle indicates max. possible advance at 32-34*
If I time the engine at the recommended 5* mark per shop manual, it never comes close to pinging and the exhaust is rapping like crazy at deceleration - as in too retarded.
It seems to run much better, if I time it around the triangle. Then I get slight pinging at WOT uphill and hardly any rapping in the exhaust when decelerating.
The engine is smoother, quieter and responds better when accelerating.
Could it be that I have a non-stock cam with higher duration that likes more max. advanced timing?
It does feel a little bumpy and uneven at 500 rpm idle and smoothes out only after 800-1000 rpm.
Also I noticed at 2500-3000 rpm the engine is smoother and quieter and runs very nice without overheating.
It doesn't sound or feel like it, but I am worried that I am running too advanced and may damage the pistons.
