I recently changed cams and on the advice of the grinder (Lunati), I have the cam set for 4º advanced instead of straight up. I've also noticed the car a bit harder to start since the cam and gear change. I set the initial timing to the same advance I used before the change but I'm wondering if I should back off any since the cam is already advanced 4º at the gear and, if so, how much should it be backed off...that same 4º, half that, or double that?

Since all advance is computer controlled with my Accel/DFI unit, I only have to set initial with the distributor. That used to be 16º before the cam/gear change. I know that sounds like a lot, but that's the way it ran and always started on the 2nd or 3rd turn. Now, with the same initial advance, when cold it turns over almost to the point of running down the battery before it starts...it just seems like too much initial advance.

Appreciate any guidance.

If it spins a lot befor it fires, shouldn't you advance it more? Sounds like slow timing to me. What is the difference in cam specs?

Cam timing and ignition timing are two different things. If you installed the cam using the +4 marks on the timing chain set, you probably have the cam at +8º. Lunati cams have +4º built into them. To get the actual cam advance at 4º set the timing set marks at "0".

16º initial ignition timing isn't excessive. Once the cam timing is correct, you should be able to go back to it.

Pat is right. When I installed my Lunati cam, I degreed it in with a degree wheel. Using the 4 degree advance keyway in the lower timing gear, the cam was advanced 7 degrees. I ended up using the 0 advance keyway and an offset bushing to get 5 degrees advance on the cam. Without the offset bushing it had 3 degrees advance.