Ideal timing

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Jul 20, 2009 | 04:50 PM

Handegard

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Ideal timing

My motor is chewing through gas, and generally gutless.

It's a '85 4bbl factory everything. Freshly rebuilt, but I went with a OE camshaft, stock compression Hypers, I just had the carb rebuilt a month or so ago. Nothing wild here.

What do you all run for timing?

Jul 20, 2009 | 06:18 PM

Handegard

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Well, I think I found the problem.

I just went to recheck, and my timing was way on the wrong side of zero TDC. The bolt was tight, so I'm guessing I have a seized bearing in the shaft, and need a new distributor.

Still, I'm running at 8* right now (factory) and I'd like to hear what you all think. I'll probably try taking it to 12* here in a little bit. I can already feel a WORLD of difference...

Jul 20, 2009 | 10:04 PM

C-Leigh Racing

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When you put the cam in, did you install a new 85' OE timming set as well ??.
If so, then with the OE timming set for that year model the cam is 4* retarded because of all the polution crap Ford had to put on the engines.
Neil

Jul 20, 2009 | 11:01 PM

Handegard

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I replaced the timing gears and chain, I don't know however if the one I used was a direct replacement for the OE one or not. I got it as part of a rebuild kit from Northern Auto Parts.

I have long wanted to find a timing set that has the cam advanced more, but when I ask at parts stores, most of them have a supersceded number for the older 429/460s that also encompasses the newer ones, and they can't tell me if that newpart number has the cam retarded or advanced...

Jul 21, 2009 | 12:33 PM

C-Leigh Racing

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Even though the timming set came in an engine rebuild kit, those three pieces would still have a part number of their own as a set, & all would need to do is look that set number up & see what year engines it would fit.
Old model timming set would be straight up & not 4* retard. An aftermarket set, like the Edelbrock or some others would have 4* retard, straight up or 4* advance keyways in the crank gear.

When I replaced the cam & timming set, I set mine at 4* advance. That setting would work for some engines & then not for others.
Neil

Jul 21, 2009 | 03:16 PM

Handegard

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Sadly I don't have the part number for the timing set, and I don't feel like opening it up to look.

When I get a camshaft I plan to replace the setup I have now with a higher quality setup, possibly gears. I wish mine was keyed for more than one position, my 302 is like that.

I'm pretty sure the timing was my number one problem. I have much more power now....

If anyone know of a cheap timing set that doesn't retard the cam (like OE priced, $40-$50) I might replace it for that. But I'm not able to spring for a $150 adjustable setup yet...

Jul 21, 2009 | 04:28 PM

C-Leigh Racing

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From: Nashville NC

The Edelbrock double row timming set I installed, was around 32,,35.00 dollars best I can remember & had 3 keyway slots. Got it from Advance Auto.
Waiting till your ready to change out that cam would be a good time instead of breaking it back down now.
Neil