You're right, Nathan. I got what I paid for! Thanks for your advice even if it did cause me a little grief. At least now I know what the engine has so that's worth the pain.
All of my tinkering to get more towing power cheaply is for naught because I discovered the 4.11 rear end has been swapped out for a 3.0 (as close as I can tell)! I know this isn't necessarily the right forum but why would anyone want a 3.0 differential in a Camper Special? The 400 will get nasty gas milage no matter what you do to it if I'm reading the other posts correctly. I wonder why someone would want to throw away towing capability for marginal mpg improvement. Do you have a suggestion as a decent ratio since towing is the purpose for this rig?
By the way, the check's in the mail for this and future advice. Keep watching for it!

 

Most Camper Specials I have seen have high gears for tooling down the highway once the rig gets moving. I have a 77 CS chassis with 3.07s and my sisters 66 CS has 3.25s. I tow with 3.50 (about 5-7000 lb trailers) with no problems.

As for the timing chain, someone may have already changed it out. I would think production rebuilders would leagally have to use stock spec. parts for emissions reasons. If their motors cant pass, they wouldnt sell many, huh!

Nathan

 

 

On any automobile/truck I've ever driven that had adjustable timing, I've set the timing so that it won't ping or pings very lightly. Basically, I give her all the advance she will handle.

 

Congratulations on responding to a fifteen (15) year old post! Thing is though, Weldman is still around, having even posted this month! So maybe he can provide us an update.

 

I noticed the cobwebs on this thread after I posted. Most likely found it in a search. DOHT!