This will be probably a little long. And its been awhile since my last visit here. I removed my old 460 and replaced it with a rebuilt 460 from a very reputable machine shop that I've used before. The rebuilt engine did not come with a carb. water pump or distributor so used my old ones except the water pump, bought a new one. When I fired up the engine I had to move the distributor what I think, (was a year ago and not sure I remember exactly) was one notch advanced to get it to fall into the key way slot and ran very well after timing it by ear. Never put a timing light on it. Advance forward a year and its time to get the sucker smogged in California at a Test Center only. The emissions passed with flying colors but the timing failed, the timing mark does not align with the pointer,(8 degrees BTDC factory suggested setting). Brought it to a mech. shop I've used for years and he tells me the dist. is out of adjustment and he will need to move the dist. gear for it to match the cam slot. He calls me up 2 hours later and tells me he can't get it to match. Does not charge me for 3 hours of work but tells me I will need to leave it for at least a day. I can't have jobs to do. It now runs worse but at least he didn't charge me. Anyone have any ideas on my next move? Should I try and find another Distributor at a junk yard or at least one with a different gear? Or is there another option?
Does the 460 have different distributors? or gearing?

 

I`m amazed. It passed the smog test but failed on the timing marks? I mean it passed smog so WGaF about the timing. Unbelieveable.
I would have thought the timing was near correct at the time of the test otherwise it would not have passed the smog, so I think i would be looking at incorrect timing marks (I assume the AHs put a timing light on it).
Hopefully calmer opinions to follow.

 

Yeah really, but in California they do things differently thats why this state is in the state its in. Anyway The truck ran great when I timed it manually. When I put a timing lite on it, it shows it off by at least 30 degrees. The Harmonic Balancer was supplied by the machine shop that built the engine and it can only go on one way. Key way slot prevents you from installing it wrong. Does the 460 have different distributors for different engines? Or could I have the wrong Harmonic Balancer installed?
Thanks for any help.

 

Well the best solution would be to move out of the Socialist Republic of California. You could head east, jump the boarder to America and enjoy the freedoms that our forefathers died to give us. But I digress...

I'm thinking this may have something to do with either your cam or timing set. Over the years the 429/460 used straight up/advanced/and retarded timing sets. I'm not sure want was stock for 87 but I would bet that what you have isn't what the State of Cali thinks you should have. Also the cams can be grounded advanced/retarded. Maybe your engine builder failed to read the cam card and didn't know what he was putting in the block. Or it could be a combination of the two.

 

This machine shop is probably the best shop in town. Guess I'll need to talk with them and see if he remembers what he did and if he has the old distributor. I agree California sucks these days, was once a great place to live. Its going to be 76 today!!! The only reason I live here now.

 

He maybe the best in town but anybody can make a mistake. If he didn't degree the cam then you have no idea wants is in there. Boxes get swapped, part numbers get miss-stamped and cams can be ground wrong. It happens sometimes. I'm really thinking you are going to have to degree your cam and compare them to factory specs for your year.

Oh and it's 71 in Tampa and Florida doesn't have emissions