G'day all, i was just looking at straight up timing sets for the 351W, the site i order from only list sets for the 289/302 but no new timing chains for the 351 at all.

My question is... Will the 289 set work fine in a '92 351W? main reason is because we are trying to order everything from one site to get this done.

 

The timing set for your application is a straight up set. The 289 set may not work, as there were some differences in the cam and crank gear offsets in the early years. I just overhauled a 95 351W and used the stock O.E. roller chain set listed for it. If you're thinking these sets retard the cam, you're wrong. The retard, if there is any is ground into the cam. All SBF timing sets I've seen have the timng marks aligned with the crank key and cam dowel, with the exception of the multiple keyway crank gear sets. To actually advance or retard the cam, you'd need the cam specs in hand and use a degree wheel to perform this operation.

 

A set for the same year 302 will work, no worries.

 

Ok thanks guys. This mainly to get a second engine running, the one in the truck had a head gasket blow, so there was a lot of coolant in the bottom end, its not even worth slapping back together. 2 cyls also have a tan coating on the walls that can be wiped/scratched off. That coating plus the blown head gasket bothers us enough that it isn't with fixing.

I had a 90 351 with a bad chain that we are throwing new rings and bearings into just to get the truck running. Its a pretty clean engine compared to what's in the truck so why not.

 

What makes you think that engine with the blown gasket can't be fixed ? It would have to be something more serious than the gasket to prevent it from being repaired.

 

Its been run enough with antifreeze in the bottom end that it probably won't last long. Been burned before, so not taking a chance this time. That and it has about 10 min of fairly hard highway driving after it went(he didn't notice it smoking till he got home).