Is it common to retard a new camshaft?

[joww3]

I installed my purple cam, got the TDC, double and triple checked and it should be very close. and took many reading on the camshaft and the average centerline is about 103.5 degree. the suggested centerline is installed at 106 degree. Should I retard my camshaft by 2 degree using the crankshaft gear? If I don't change anything, is that mean the bottom end torque will be better? is it common to retard a new cam? Most of the examples that I read always need to advance the camshaft, don't know it is a common thing or just a example most people use. I think my math is correct, but I still have don't trust myself because it is my first time doing it. I hate to retard the camshaft and when the engine is put back together and it won't run correctly.

[dodge freak]

Most cam's are grounded with 2-4 degrees of advance so when the timing chain stenches it be right on. I would leave it alone, the chain will stench in a few thousand miles.

[joww3]

That makes a lot of sense, I did put in new timing chain set, as the chain gets older and stretched out, the timing will get more retarded. Thank you very much, that put my mind at rest now, I can start putting the engine back together.

[Chryco Psycho]

103* is advanced not retarded , & yes it will stretch a bit & be ok , advancing a cam will drop the rpm of the powerband slightly