On an 86 F350 with a 460, I understand that the factory retarded the cam timing 3 degrees for emmissions. I am getting ready to install new timing gears, so do I get the older version and go "straight up", or should I get a performance set and go 3 degree advanced? If straight up is good, is 3 degree advanced better? Or is this too much for a mild motor? I tow a 7k lb fifth wheel trailer sometimes in mountains so I need the torque.

Thanks,

 

The factory set is retarded 4 degrees for cleaner emissions. I would go ahead and get an aftermarket double roller (I used an Edelbrock set) and install it on 0. This should help gain some low end grunt and the double roller set up will last for a very long time. No plastic to wear away.

 

Get the double roller like lxman1 says. you woun't gain much setting it at 3 advance in a mild motor straight up is the way to go. Eric

 

I just replaced mine in a 460 with a summit double roller, straight up. I could almost remove the chain without removing any gears it was so bad!! With old 16s, street radials, not alot of tread, it wouldn't even spin the tires on pavement. All at once I replaced the chain, and added headers and dual 2 1/2 inch exhaust. I already had a 750 carb on a stock manifold. It will smoke the tires with ease. For blocks I'll bet.(but don't want to waist the rubber) I still need to go back and reset the carb and timing a little better. I get a rattle when I power up-hill, or pull hard. The timing set and headers are a great simple upgrade. Inspect the timing cover carefully for pits, holes and badly deteriated areas in water jackets. If the motor has not been taken care of (and some that have)these areas can get pretty thin on material or have holes.

Chuck

Oh, btw, my truck sounds great now too! 2.5in. duals, equalization pipe, and glass pacs, pipes sticking out the passenger side! The wife could care less, but her dad and brother love it!!!!!!!!!

 

did you install the timing gears straight up or go with the 4 degree advance? I was told by my local speed shop that the 4 degree advance will increase the cylinder pressure and cause predetination, but I run premium fuel so that may not be the problem. Tourqueking says to run 4 degree advanced with the stock cam. Anybody done this? I wouls like to hear the pros and cons of running advanced.

 

Put it at 0. Your stocker is 4 degrees retarded so by installing it at 0, you will be advancing the cam 4 degrees and should see a little more low end grunt.

 

I am looking at the same thing on my 460. Does anyone have any experience with the Ford Motorsport timing set? It apparently has the same adjustment in the crank keyways to go sraight up, advanced, or 4 degrees retard again. (yeah, right!)
Also, I suppose I will need not only a water pump gasket, but also the timing cover gasket? These 'covers' look like a massive amount of meat!
Mark



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Ford started it; Ford will finish it!

 

I looked at them, but for the money, I went with Edelbrock. You will need a timing cover set, which should come with the waterpump gasket too, and you will need to know if you have a front seal the goes in from the front or from the inside. Mine goes in from the inside.
Make note of how the oil slinger, and spacer come off of the crank, It can be confusing during reassembly if you don't.

 

Does the seal come with the timing set and gaskets? Also, what years installed outside, and what years inside? (pertaining to that seal)
Mark


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Ford started it; Ford will finish it!

 

They vary, It comes with the Felpro kit I believe. You have to look at the seal and see if you can see the outer metal part of the seal that is about 1/4" wide( from rubber to outer edge). If you can see it, then it probably is an external. Your best bet is to buy the outer gasket set, then buy the internal seal separate. They don't cost much, then you will have both of them so you won't get stuck in the middle of the job.
Jimmy

 

Thanks Jimmy! I will have a look before I hit the store! I don't get much chance to use my seal installation tool set!
Mark



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Ford started it; Ford will finish it!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Aug-02 AT 10:21 AM (EST)]I got my timing set from summit, and my gaskets from autozone. They'll sell ya a set that has the cover gasket, the water pump, the 2 little pieces of the oil pan, and the crank seal. The seal is no big deal. Take your time with a hammer and a large socket and it goes right in. A little grease on it wouldn't hurt. Careful on removing the bolts in the cover. I removed the head and not the threads of one. I ended up drilling it out and retapping the hole. I set mine straight up 0. Tourqueking has a point! If you are pulling allot like a trailer around town, tractors on the ranch, stumps, and stuff like that, you want your torque as low as possible in the RPM band. I do some open road towing at high speeds 65-70 (of course) with a travel trailer, and a construction trailer. Really depends on what your truck is used for, and the gears you run and where you think you'll need to make the power. The chain and headers really made a world of difference. Since you're already into it, replace the water pump with a new one, it ain't that much more $$$$$, and a new 180 thermostat. I had been running a 195, until I read some of mil1ion's posts, and he just made good sense. I do more reading than posting on here. Lots of good info.

Chuck
Got a cold front today here in Texas, it's only going to be 98 today.

 

trino, i run the motorsports chain, im sure its not much different than edelbrocks, or neone elses, i just liked it cause its a ford part, and it hasnt jumped time or anything yet =)