Newly built motor....496 c.i., Dart 310 heads, 14:1 (approx.)....cam is .725 lift, 282 / 292 dur. @ .050. 110 lobe sep.. I ran this motor twice, and was a little disappointed with the performance. Disassembled, and found the cam was initially set @ 8 degrees retarded(??). The cam mfg. was a little puzzled, to say the least. The motor ran well....meaning that the rpm was close to 8000 at the end of the 1/4 mile, but didn't make the h.p. I expected. Why was this done? I'm in the process of doing a makeover....having the heads ported, and intend to degree the cam. I'm going to re use this cam, because the mfg. says it's ideal for the application. I'm planning on changing the initial timing to 6 degrees advanced. Any input on this will be appreciated, as always. Thanks.