I want to make sure I have a firm grasp on all this timing stuff before I order my new cams and cam gears. First, could someone tell me whether the following statement is correct:

Advancing ignition timing is moving the spark further into the compression stroke. Retarding ignition timing is moving the spark farther back in time, sparking earlier in the compression stroke. Do I have that right?

My first question is with respect to cam timing. A cam gear allows you to change the cam timing .. but when you change the cam timing, you're leaving the ignition timing the same relative to the compression cycles, right? If your ignition was at 14deg, say, it will still be at 14deg, you're just adjusting when the valves are opened with respect to that?

When you adjust cam timing, what are the benefits to advancing/retarding? I assume one is better for top-end and one is better for bottom-end?

What is the stock ignition & cam timing on a D16Y8?

When I add a more aggressive aftermarket cam, is it best to advance or retard spark timing, or just leave it?

If I were to step up to a higher octane gas, would that allow me to run slightly more advanced ignition timing, and make a bit more power?

Know that's a lot of questions. Thanks.