Editing Camshaft (section)

==== Timing ====
The timing (phase angle) of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft can be adjusted to shift an engine's power band to a different RPM range. Advancing the camshaft (shifting it to ahead of the crankshaft timing) increases low RPM torque, while retarding the camshaft (shifting it to after the crankshaft) increases high RPM power.<ref name="compcams.com timing">{{cite web |title=COMP Cams Effect of Changes In Cam Timing and Lobe Separation Angle |url=https://www.compcams.com/cam-timing-lobe-separation-angle |website=www.compcams.com |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> The required changes are relatively small, often in the order of 5 degrees.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

Modern engines which have [[variable valve timing]] are often able to adjust the timing of the camshaft to suit the RPM of the engine at any given time. This avoids the above compromise required when choosing a fixed cam timing for use at both high and low RPM.