"Zero retard" cam sprocket
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
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"Zero retard" cam sprocket
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!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 3
"Zero retard" cam sprocket
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
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
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Northern Michigan
Ok, the stock timing on a '78 351M was 8 degrees advanced.
So from what I understand, if the cam and timing gear was put in straight up (when it was originally retarded) the distributor timing would have to be retarded some in order to compensate and make the engine perform efficiently.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source.
1978 F250 4x4 - 351M
Don't crush them, restore them!
So from what I understand, if the cam and timing gear was put in straight up (when it was originally retarded) the distributor timing would have to be retarded some in order to compensate and make the engine perform efficiently.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Ford truck and SUV owners and enthusiasts Community And Information Source.
1978 F250 4x4 - 351M
Don't crush them, restore them!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
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.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Northern Michigan
I noticed the cobwebs on this thread after I posted. Most likely found it in a search. DOHT!
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