Hey guys, my 78 F350 2wd / 460 has developed a coolant leak at the timing cover. I plan on replacing the water pump, timing cover gasket and probably oil pan gasket also.

Seems like it would be a great time to replace the timing set as well. My question is has anyone passed California smog after going to the straight up timing? If I understand corectly the ignition timing would not change so the tech woul not care about that, but if the retarded timning sets were there to help with smog compliance what risk is there in changing it?

Anything else to do while I am there?

I have only EGR and evap canisters no pump no cat and GVWR of 9,200

Thanks!

 

'85 460, had my timing set replaced about 100K miles ago with a double roller straight up set and you do have to reset your ignition timing. It had no bearing on emissions, however, I make it a point to lean out the carb mixture screws 1/2 turn before testing, passes every time with ease. BTW, your truck may already have the straight ups, I don't think they were changed until the 80's (?).

 

I think '72 got the retarded timing set. But I dont think you'll have a problem with the straight up set.