cam timing?

what will adjusting my cam timing on my 97 civic ex really do.? it has intake header and exhaust. i understand that the aem cam gear i have is lighter but why would i make any advancments or retard any given amount of degrees?

You can advance it and maybe see minor gain,but really there is no need for a cam gear on a sohc,since the timing can be adjusted at the distibutor.