Seems I've heard that on some engines/cams...there is power to be had by retarding the exhaust cam.
Can anyone confirm if this is the case with the S50B32 and Schrick 284 cams?

For whatever reason, I've heard something like 3 degrees. But, I'm not sure if it was US engines and stock cams.

:help

Oh yeah, this is with Alpha N tuning.

Ken, your S50B32 already has variable exhaust cam timing. Unless you've removed the VANOS. The cam timing can be "tweaked" in the Siemens ECU to optimize for different headers, intakes, etc, but the base cam timing reduces overlap for smoother idle, better vacuum, and easier startup, then advances both intake and exhaust cams in the midrange for torque, then retards the exhaust and intake cams for maximum top-end power. I notice that my engine pulls hard up to 7400-7500, especially noticeable in 4th gear where wind-resistance is readily overcome by horsepower.

US motors, without adjustable exhaust cam timing, can make more midrange torque by advancing the exhaust cam. Retarding the exhaust cam on a US engine will cause the piston to hit the exhaust valves very easily.

Who did the alpha-N tuning? Or are you simply running without the HFM? I ran without my HFM, and the idle sucked, fuel consumption went way up, and the engine felt much flatter, less crisp, less responsive.

Ken, your S50B32 already has variable exhaust cam timing. Unless you've removed the VANOS. The cam timing can be "tweaked" in the Siemens ECU to optimize for different headers, intakes, etc, but the base cam timing reduces overlap for smoother idle, better vacuum, and easier startup, then advances both intake and exhaust cams in the midrange for torque, then retards the exhaust and intake cams for maximum top-end power. I notice that my engine pulls hard up to 7400-7500, especially noticeable in 4th gear where wind-resistance is readily overcome by horsepower.

US motors, without adjustable exhaust cam timing, can make more midrange torque by advancing the exhaust cam. Retarding the exhaust cam on a US engine will cause the piston to hit the exhaust valves very easily.

Who did the alpha-N tuning? Or are you simply running without the HFM? I ran without my HFM, and the idle sucked, fuel consumption went way up, and the engine felt much flatter, less crisp, less responsive.



D'oh! Right, dual vanos so no need for any cam tuning.

No tuning yet, I was just throwing it out there so that when/if I get the Alpha N tuning, I'd know what to do. But, there's absolutely nothing to do...with the cams anyway. :D
Thanks James. See you at VIR.