I like a wider separation because of these things mainly:
Broadens Power Band
Decrease Chance of Engine Knock
Idle Vacuum is Increased
Idle Quality Improves
I also think you will get better mileage w/a wider separation camshaft.
Also, w/a tight lobe separation camshaft, power will come in quickly & in the lower RPM range, then it will be like hitting a wall,, power will just shut down abruptly & not rev anymore,, where as a wider lobe separation camshaft will give you more overev capabilities, a wider power band if you will.
http://www.compcams.com/Pages/413/cam-timing-lobe-separation-angle.aspxIt seems that most camshaft made for our inlines always seem to have a tight lobe center.
I know B.B.C.'s like a wider lobe separation camshafts, they seem to make more power, some engines are just that way.
The camshaft I currently am using has a lobe separation of 114.
& it just pulls & pulls on the top end. Could not be happier with how it works.
Most LS engines have wide lobe separation camshafts from the factory up to about 122-124, have a lot of duration, & they just rev & rev.
Pretty sure it works better for emissions also, makes less.
MBHD