I ordered a Cloyes Street True Roller timing gear set #9-1122.
I also ordered a Mr. Gasket engine overhaul gasket set for a 68-85 460 Will this work for the gasket set on a 86 460?

I also did a search here in the 385 series about the timing set up for my stock 86 460 using this new timing gear set up.there seems to be some confusion on what is correct set up between 73-85 and the 86 -up 460?
How should I set my tming gear and timing once it's all installed? Thanks

 

The difference in gaskets is EFI. The EFI ports are smaller then the earlier carbed engines. For the timing set I am unsure since I haven't needed to know anything about 76 and later. I do know that engines after 71 had 8 degrees advance machined into the crank gear. If you compare the two you'll see the index dot is offset to the crank keyway on the later model years. The pre-71 gear is straight up.

 

I run the Cloys 68 to 71 set 9-3122 in my 86 straight up.

 

Thanks Guys, Will I need to change the timing settings or use what the factory calls for?

 

I start by turning up the initial timing up untill the engine becomes hard to turn over. Then back it off about 4 or 5 degrees.


Should mention get a timing tape for your damper. Clean the damper paint it if you want. Then apply the timing tape. Use clear engine paint over the tape apply a few coats so it is fairly thick. If you dont the tape often peals off. Get a tape real close to the dia of your bamper I dont believe there is a perfect size for the 460. Might be off about 2* over the 40* you need. If you have a dial back timing light the tape isnt needed you might want the tape anyway some of the dial backs go bad. I also offset my tape a bit leave the stock 0 mark visable makes it a bit more accurate at the 36* you should shoot for at around 3000 RPM. For starters at least.

To continue hook up a vacuum gage(I have mine temperaly velcroed to my dash) so I can keep an eye on it a differt RPMs and loads for a while anyway.
Your initial timing may end up around 20*. If your running a factory distributor the advance plate will need to be removed and the advance slot weldedd up to shorten the slot. This is done to limit the distributor advance. If your initial works out to 20 the distributor should be 8* (since the distributor runs at half crank speed) on the damper it will show as 16* for a total of 36*. Full advance should come in at 3000 RPM. I run regular fuel at these settings.

 

I should mention with a stock cam I pull about 19 to 20 inches of Vacuum at 800 RPM idle.

 

Thanks again turbo,alot of good information that helps.I have a few friends over next weekend to tear into my truck and this will come in handy.

 

Related question: I'm sure that valve timing is old hat to many here, but this is new terratory for me. Could someone help me with getting a stock 86 460 set up with better valve timing. I have purchased a Comp Cams #3122 double roller timing gear set. It has 3 settings. 4 degree advanced, straight up and 4 degree retarded. Which setting will bennefit me the most with power and what effect will the valve timing setting that have on ignition timing settings. Thanks in advance for the assist.

 

Is that for the older 460 pre 72 I believe or the newer 7* retarded set from 72 to untill the last of the carbed engines?

 

I believe the 86 came with the cam retarded but not sure how much (degrees). I just don't want to do something stupid and damage the engine as it still runs strong and doesn't use oil (100,000). But I have heard that some power can be gained by using the older engine valve timing settings ( think those were straight up (zero degrees).

 

Stupid would be using the retarded timing set.

 

This may help. Advancing the cam beyond TDC gives you better torque, Retarting the cam beyond TDC will give you top end performance. On the 429 Cobra Jets. the stock timing chain use to come preset to advance the cam 4 degrees beyond TDC. Today if you buy a timing chain for a 429 of any type you get a stock 460 timing chain. That's one reason why your aftermarket Cloyes, Edelbrock, etc give you choices. My info on the 429 CobraJet timing chain came to me through an owner of a CarQuest Parts Store that has been drag racing for over 30 years.

 

What I have found over 40 years of performance work is the closer you have to matching componets at any build level the less need there is for advancing or retarding cam timing. Mismatch a componet and it may help.

 

What I read into this is if I set it straignt up I should get a little more torque than the stock cam timing set would give me. I think I will try that setting first.

Thanks for the input Turbo and Kermmydog!

 

Yea, if your just using your engine for a daily driver or semi stock that will be a great place to set it. You will notice a fair differences from the 8 dergee retard of the stock smog application.