So I'm wondering what's the best and cheapest route for timing gears. I've read that you can put early 70 gears and chain in does this work some say yes some say no? Just looking for some opinions or maybe some other options thanks.

 

So do you want timming gears, as in a gear drive? Or some timming gears for a timing chain to run on?

 

Yes you can put the older stock replacement gears on, they will have the straight up timing. The later stock replacement sets will be retarded and you don't want that.

 

Looking to go with gears and chain.
Ok that's what I was thinking but I was looking around and some were saying that the gears wouldn't do anything because the retarded timing was actually in the cam itself. So I was thinking I was going to need a offset key or something.

 

X2, you asked for the cheapest route so i assume you're just buying a stock replacement timing set.

Ask for a pre '72 set, after '72 they'll be retarded 4 degrees.

 

even the sets for the older engines are retarded. do your own search on autozone or advance and they use the same timing kits for all years, even to early 70's. Spend an extra $20 and get the Summit chain that stands it up straight.

 

You are right sir, i stand corrected....i have FE's on the mind today, where there is a split between stock timing sets between '72/'73.

I concur with you though, fork over the extra 20 bucks and buy a straight up timing set from Summit or Jegs.

 

Thanks a lot guys I don't know a much as I should with motors yet. Stuck on being a body man

 

Another quick question is what are your thoughts for a intake. It's all stock 400 with headers and I am planing on putting a edelbrock 1405 carb on which just an extra one I have. Thinking either the weiand 8010 or edelbrock performer. Opinions?