Hey everyone! I'm looking to replace the distributor and timing chain on my truck. It's an '83 F250 4x4 with a 460. It has the original point distributor, and I'd love to upgrade to a magnetic one. In addition, I have read that these engines have a retarded timing chain.

So here are my questions:

1. Is there a specific brand of distributor I need to look for, or will anything be ok? I've seen several in the $100-$150 range that seem pretty decent, but I don't know enough about it.

2. If the timing is retarded by 8* from the chain, can I just advance it by 8* to compensate? If not, how can I tell what type of timing chain I need to get.

 

Look at your distributor very carefully. Pull the cap off and the rotor, and you should see a star wheel inside. If you really do have points, it's not original. Your truck should have come with electronic ignition from the factory.

Do some searching on the internet about the chain, but I believe if you go to Summit Racing or Jegs, you can get an adjustable timing set, and then you can set it straight up with no advance or retard at all.

 

"retarded' does not refer to the ignition timing, but the cam timing.

You want to set it up with the crankshaft keyway at 12oclock and directly centered under a gear tooth.

 

You can use a timing chain set for a 1988 up EFI 460, they are a straight up double row roller chain.

 

Unsurprisingly, you were correct. I just didn't look closely enough.

Also, thanks for clearing up the timing question, I didn't realize they were different.

The first time I've so much as loosened a bolt on a vehicle was literally two weeks ago, so thanks for being patient with my stupid questions! I appreciate the input very much.

 

No problem, that's what we're here for, helping each other.