4 Degree retardation?
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4 Degree retardation?
I have been told that the timing on late 70 style 460s was retarded 4 degrees to help with pollution, and that correcting this would help wake up the engine a bit. What should the correct timing be then? For what it's worth I have a 79 F250 with the 460.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Thanks in advance for the help.
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From: okc
they are referring to replacing the stock timing chain with a timing chain from a pre 71 460, those sets can be set at -4*, 0*, and +4*...the preferred setup is the pre 71 chain set straight up (or 0), that makes up for the 4* retardation...
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I just realized that I probably posted this in the wrong section. Anyhow. I did a little searching while I was waiting for an answer on here. I saw what you are talking about with the pre 71 timing chain sets. Can I not set my stock one at 0'? Or +4'? If not where would be the best place to find a pre 71 timing chain set and for about how much?
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From: okc
i just rebuilt my 78 460 last year and made the mistake of using a 78 chain, i cant wait to change back because i lost alot of juice with that mistake....no the 72 and later stock chains (like ours) only go on one way, the pre 71s have 3 keyways on the crank gear, the laters only have one.....you can get one at any parts store for like 25 bucks, just ask to see one for a 71 lincoln with a 460, if it has 3 keyways your in business...if im wrong someone please correct me, but that is the way i remember it, i just wish i remembered when i did my motor..... 
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awsome...I may call around tomorrow and see if any of the parts stores have any. If they do I will have the wife buy it and bring it to me at work. I should have some free time Sunday. Hopefully someone can make sure everything is correct.
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Thanks for all the help guys. I like the summit part, but I am still going to check out my local auto guys. Thanks again.
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From: Fort Worth,Texas
“Can't I adjust the timing by turning the distributor a little?”
The short anser is NO. Let me explain, the distributor adjusts the spark timing. The cam gear on the timing set adjusts the cam timing. The problem is the cam is retarded not the spark. Well the spark is probly not advanced enough but that is a different issue.<O
</O
Bill
The short anser is NO. Let me explain, the distributor adjusts the spark timing. The cam gear on the timing set adjusts the cam timing. The problem is the cam is retarded not the spark. Well the spark is probly not advanced enough but that is a different issue.<O
</OBill
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Western Central NV
If my memory still works, the 72 on up 460s where 8 degrees retarded. 4 degrees retard would give you a great top end. HP gain, 4 degrees adv gives torque. I have a Cloyes TRUE Street Roller, set 4 degrees adv and my 460 makes awsome torque now. I lost alittle on top end but my 460s job is to pull a 10,000# travel trailer.
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This is helping me a bit too. I want to re-do my '79. I was thining about gear drives though. The truck hardly gets used unless I have to pull my sleds, haul some stuff, or just wanna go out and play. I have a stealth intake that I love. After i decide wich cam and lifter set I want that will work with the stock rockers ans springs, I'm topping it off with noisy dual idler gear drives. Now what's the best way to advance this or retard that for torque without losing too much top end HP. I never run it over 4,000 rpm anyways
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: NE Tennessee
Get the quiet ones if ya get those. Chains have a little cushion and are better for street motors. Also you can get a slight vibration in the motor from the noisy sets. Nothing you could feel but parts might. Don't think I've ever seen a 'street' gear set. Get a good aussie roller set (think around 100.00) and you'll be set.
BTW, if you have a stock cam on that motor a stock chain set will work just fine.
4degrees adv is a good torque setting for the street.
Chuck those stock valve spring for a new set that's made for the cam you get. You won't be sorry. Valve float is bad on these motors if ya rev em especially with a decent cam.
Good luck
BTW, if you have a stock cam on that motor a stock chain set will work just fine.
4degrees adv is a good torque setting for the street.
Chuck those stock valve spring for a new set that's made for the cam you get. You won't be sorry. Valve float is bad on these motors if ya rev em especially with a decent cam.
Good luck
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Happy late Thanksgiving guys. Thank you for all the responses and I am glad this topic was able to help someone else out as well. I see the difference between cam timing and spark timing. I guess I hadn't thought of it that way.
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