Is there any difference adjusting the timing at the ignition than a cam gear?

 

Adjusting timing at igniton has to do with the spark advancement or retarding, where as the adjustment at the cam gear deal with actual advancement and retarding of the opening of the cams. Or something like that... I'm sure someone can explain it better.

 

well put, the only thing I would add is that when you are tuning timing, there is a process to follow. if you plan on changing the relationship on the intake cam at all, the ignition timing needs to be changed each time, as it tracks with the positioning of the intake cam. alot of things can effect your timing, the slack on the T-belt, how old or new it is, what base rpm you have, etc. for instance, I put my timing at 16 on my new t-belt and 2200 miles later, I noticed the timing was sitting at 14/15BTDC. I set it at 16 and drove and well, again today I said F-it and put her at 18. its amazing what 11:1 cr does on stock cams with a little more timing advance