whats the difference............... if i advance the two cam gears by three degress and a mopar pcm advances the spark by 5 degress does that mean my motor is advanced by 8 degress.

 

Cam Timing - The relationship of your cam and crankshaft. Ex....if you have your cam advanced 2 degrees, your cam is going to open your in/ex valves 2 degrees sooner (in relationship to your crankshaft). Advancing your cam helps low end (Lower RPMs), retarding helps top end (higher RPMs). You would think it should be the other way around....but its not.

Spark Timing - The relationship of you spark and your crankshaft. Ex...if you have your spark timing 2 degrees advanced, your sparkplugs are going to fire 2 degrees before top dead center. Advancing spark timing helps top end w/ little effect to lower RPMs.

 

Here is some great info for you to read up on...
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ignition-system.htm
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/camshaft.htm