Need Help with Timing on 351w
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Chattanooga, TN
Need Help with Timing on 351w
I've got a truck that I bought with a mysterious 351w which was dropped in it. I ran the numbers off the block and it's out of a 1972 Gran Tarino. I know the guy put flat-top pistons in there, but that's all I know. I have installed holley throttle-body injection and am to the point where I need to check the timing.
My problem is that the guy did a serpentine conversion and I can't see or get to any sort of marks on the balancer. The engine runs decent, but has a hickup under load about 2400 rpm. How should I go about setting the timing?? What degrees should it theoretically be set at? I know you're not 'supposed' to go by ear or feel, but I think that's my only option. It's got a vacuum advance distributor and I'm running a MSD 6AL Offroad ignition.
Thanks in advance for any help!
My problem is that the guy did a serpentine conversion and I can't see or get to any sort of marks on the balancer. The engine runs decent, but has a hickup under load about 2400 rpm. How should I go about setting the timing?? What degrees should it theoretically be set at? I know you're not 'supposed' to go by ear or feel, but I think that's my only option. It's got a vacuum advance distributor and I'm running a MSD 6AL Offroad ignition.
Thanks in advance for any help!
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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IMO after the static timing is set going by feel and actual running is the ONLY way to go.
Parts wears. gears get stripped..chains stretch.
How do you verify the ACTUAL casting date of that engine?
By the Date casting numbers or initial design numbers ?
there is a difference.
FTE has engine forums for engine specific topics like this one.
The 351W belongs to the V90* engine family.
I'll give the proper specs for that engine once we verify which engine is really is.
Casting numbers on block and heads please
Your topic isn't 73-79 related just cause it's in a 73-79 truck.
Parts wears. gears get stripped..chains stretch.
How do you verify the ACTUAL casting date of that engine?
By the Date casting numbers or initial design numbers ?
there is a difference.
FTE has engine forums for engine specific topics like this one.
The 351W belongs to the V90* engine family.
I'll give the proper specs for that engine once we verify which engine is really is.
Casting numbers on block and heads please
Your topic isn't 73-79 related just cause it's in a 73-79 truck.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Chattanooga, TN
I don't have the block casting number off hand, but I've pulled the numbers off the side of the block and 'de-coded' it to be off a 1972 Torino or Galaxy. As far as the heads go, is it possible to get a number without pulling the valve covers? Also, would it make a difference what year 351w it was as far as setting the timing goes?
New User
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It was "designed" for a 1972 Ford Car not necessarily FROM a 1972 Torino.
That engineering number was used for years.
The actual First year of the 302 was 1968 and would have the number
C8AE-6015-A
It is the The actual date casting that is more conclusive proof of what year it is actually from.
That engine maybe be a 302 from a 1976 Eseries.
That engineering number was used for years.
The actual First year of the 302 was 1968 and would have the number
C8AE-6015-A
It is the The actual date casting that is more conclusive proof of what year it is actually from.
That engine maybe be a 302 from a 1976 Eseries.
Last edited by Mil1ion; Jun 20, 2007 at 10:52 AM.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Chattanooga, TN
I understand what you're saying, and I'm aware of how casting numbers work. I'm 100% sure this is a 351w out of a 70s model ford vehicle. Regardless, any ideas on how to set the timing manually without being able to see the marks on the balancer?
New User
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Timing specs are different for the same engine over different years.
plus depending on emissions.
That's why I ask for the date casting numbers
Don't know why you won't post them
But this should be in the V-90* engine forum anyway
plus depending on emissions.
That's why I ask for the date casting numbers
Don't know why you won't post them
But this should be in the V-90* engine forum anyway
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Topeka, Kansas
I do know someone who had a 69 Shelby GT 350, anyways his 351 w was built using a hi-po 289 cam shaft which changed the firing order. Worth checking if the hick-up doesn't go away
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Chattanooga, TN
good point - would it still be able to idle well if I was using the wrong firing order? The engine rev's great up to 4-5k with no load on the engine, but in gear it hickups on me...
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Topeka, Kansas
I had a simialer problem when I went to tune my boss's shelby, I had to look at the engine build sheet to figure out why I could not get the SOB to run worth a crap! Maybe worth be looking into.