[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Jan-02 AT 06:46 PM (EST)]I have a '77 302 that I am doing a "quickie" re-ring and bearing job on. I'm going to replace the timing chain and gears while I have it out as well. Is it true that the cam timing is retarded for emmisions after the early 70's? If so, could I buy a chain for an earlier year, and it would be marked without the retarded timing? What year would I buy Also, looking at a gasket set online they recommend replacing the head bolts. I've done that in a lot of 4 cylinder newer engines, but never did in these. I been doing wrong all these years? I think this is the first time I've seen this recommendation, or at least noticed it! Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Hey Bill. Replacing the head bolts is manditory if you have torque to yield bolts. You can identify them by looking at the head of the bolt. Normal reusable bolts have a washer that is seperate from the bolt. Where as torque to yield have the washer built in. My other advise is to replace the bolts with studs anyway. Much strong then bolts. I am not sure of the timing chain timing question. I know that lining up the index marks on the sprockets is all you need to do. I haven't yet played with a 3 keyway sprocket or any of the other funky timing gear sets out on the market. So I wouldn't be able to answer that question. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks there airharley, figured I musta missed something simple there on the head bolts. I have the old style with seperate washers. I wasn't sure about the cam timing either. I thought I had read that here somewhere but haven't been able to find it searching the old posts.