Timing Gears

[dpoelstra]

I asked this on another forum, but this may be the best place for my question.

I have an 86 F350 with the 460/C6 setup. I understand that Ford retarded the cam timing for emmissions purposes. I am getting ready to replace my timing gears so do I go with the older version "straight up" set, or should I go with the performance version and actually advance the timing gears 3 degrees? Is advancing the gear too much for a mild performance engine? Or if straight up is good, is advanced even better?

I tow a 7k lb fifth wheel trailer in some mountain areas and need some more torque. Give me the good, the bad and the ugly.

Thanks

[StrangeRanger]

Advancing the cam timing lowers the power band of the engine, giving you more where you need it. It will also increase emissions, so if testing is an issue where you live ...

If your truck has a processor and feedback carb (don't know much about 460s)it may or may not disagree with it. With an otherwise stock engine, I'd probably go for "straight up"

[dpoelstra]

I run an Edlbrock 750cfm carb with no computer hook ups to it at all. I run an MSD 5 ignition, other wise the engine is stock. For towing, I need all the low end torque I can get. Do you think 3 degrees advanced is too much?

[TorqueKing]

For all trucks, 4 degrees advanced is the best setting. it will shift the torqueband of the engine sooner in the RPM range. strait up, and especially retarded cam timing will make the engine have to revv faster to acheive the same torque. The peak torque numbers will be approximately the same, but it will be available earlier in the RPM range. Racers retard the cam, because they can have the same torque at higher RPM, and since HP is a function of Torque and Engine speed, they get more HP. A quality timing set will have multiple keyways, so you can go either 4 deg. advance, 0, or 4 retarded. Edelbrock, Crane, Comp, and Cloyes all make top-quality sets. Most of them will set you back approximately $60, but their double-roller construction will not deflect, so you'll have stable timing and a longer chain life. Since it won't stretch, it'll also make it a BEAR to install. It just requires a little more patience, and careful work. TK

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing

[cajunbronco]

I would check the cam specs or call them and ask before you put it in advanced.My comp cam was ground with 4 degrees of advance built in.So installing it 4 degees advance would actually be 8 degrees.

Billy

[dpoelstra]

Not changing the cam. I am staying with the stock cam.

[dpoelstra]

If an aftermarket cam is 4 degrees advanced, that will advance the cam timing 8 degrees over stock (post '72 motors) if you run straight up gear sets.

If I run the stock cam with a 4 degree advance gear set, won't I acheive a similar result? Some say yes, and others say I will have problems and cause damage.

I can run an advanced gearset and retard the ignition timing a bit to prevent predetination. Am I crazy, or am I missing something?

I would love to hear from guys who have done this, or guys with pre'72 trucks who have run advanced cam timing.

Anyone?????

[TorqueKing]

You'll have to check the intake centerline of the cam (by degreeing it), Ford cams are designed to operate at a certain setting, advancing a stock cam past strait up might cause the problems that you've been forewarned about.

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing

[HotWhlz85]

[dpoelstra]

thanks, but too late. I installed it 4 degrees advanced and as I said in the other thread, no go. I will be tearing it back apart and going with straight up.