Hi all,

I am wondering if anyone has any experience retarding or advancing the cam timing on the 460 for more power. I have heard that this is a pretty easy way to get a good amount of power because the timing is set mild for smog. (Mines an 88). If anyone has done this how many degrees should the cam be advanced or retarded and how much power did you get out of it and were any other adjustments necessary after you adjusted the cam timing?

Thanks

 

Well, I believe your 88 has some retarded cam timing from the factory from what would be considered straight up
There are people on here that know all about this
I am not one of them
But generally you are not getting more power it is just when
Advancing the cam gives more low rpm power
Retarding the cam gives more top end power
You really need a degree wheel and see where you are at now then get a multi keyway crank sprocket and gear set and play with it
Good luck and have fun
I got a gear drive setup for mine to annoy the neighbors? Ha Ha
I am going to do the same thing with my degree wheel on a old 429 I have

 

The retarded set was used on the 460 from about 1973 till late 1987. When the EFI engines come out they go back to the non retarded style of timing chain. This is a really big change of about 8 crank degrees. With that said I don't know what centerline is used exactly on the factory cam but I'd expect it to still be pretty far back. Something like a 113-118 ICL but like Manic said you don't know without a degree wheel.

Another thing to know is that some of the multi index "performance" timing sets index their zero mark in the 8 degree retarded position. On a 460 take a look at the location of the zero key on the timing set. It should be directly in line with the tooth and timing mark. If not it's the retarded version. Just recently I built a stock 429 CJ for a customer and while I ordered the earlier style non retard set it came with the other gear. I just cut a new keyway in the right location in the Bridgeport mill. That took me from 115 to a 107 ICL.