Hello,

First, thanks to the administrators of Ford Truck Enthusiasts for providing this great service to the Ford truck owners community to help one another as they wrench, show, shine, modify and generally enjoy these great trucks!

I have a 1978 Ford F150 with a 460 and a C6. It was recently brought out of a 25 year storage in an old school house (Yes, you read that right, 25 years in a one- room school used as a storage shed). A battery, a quick look at the fluids and over and under, and a little prime and hit the key and it fired to life! It runs smooth enough to balance a quarter on. I'm very happy with this aquisition and plan to restore it to its former glory as soon as time and money permit (I'm a Masters degree student who likes to rebuild old ford trucks as a hobby).

My question is: I friend of mine recently told me that if you put a 429 (boss?) timing set in one of these later 460s and set it at 8* advanced it will increase the power and mileage. We have had several 460s in the family, mostly in later 70s Ford trucks and Grand Marquis, and have never done this before. So I'm just wondering if there is any truth to this or if my pal is out to lunch? I've heard the 72- later 429/460s are different then the earlier ones but once again this is out of my frame of knowledge.

Thank you for your imput and I look forward to contributing to this community as time permits!

Cheers,
~Andy

 

I have been told that the early 460s have a "stright up" timing set, and somewhere around 72? (smog) the set is about 15* retarted

 

Just get a pre 72 (68-72) 429/460 double roller timing chain and install it dot to dot.

the 72^ smog motors use a retarded timing set.

 

Yes, like everyone said, the 68-72 timing chain sets will set your timing "straight up" like the older engines. In '73 Ford retarded the cam 8* on the 460s to meet emissions standards. Retarding the cam essentially moves the power band higher in the rpm range. By advancing the cam back to the older specs, the power band will move lower, exactly where these 460s like to run. You will notice more throttle response, better low end power, and a slight increase in mileage. I did the same thing to the 460 in my '79, and I am pleased with the results. I bought a standard 68-72 timing chain set from Summit, cost right around $20. You will also need water pump and timing cover gaskets, and a few hours of your time to complete the swap.

 

Thanks all for replying so promptly to my question. I will plan on doing this mod once I get down home for Christmas holidays (I will 500+ miles away right now). Best to you in your wrenching and restoring!