So, I've been told that installing the cam timed straight up will boost low-end torque on these cars. (specifically, that they've been installed 4* retarded from the factory)

Is that 4* retard ground into the cam (IE, I should run 4* advanced on an adjustable gear to install straight up) or is it machined into the cam gear itself?

(My water pump just started dripping (right after I replaced the clutch and got the thing drivable again) so it's time for another project...)

 

Do some more research on it, but it's my understanding it's in the gear itself, and you can get a earlier gearset with the straight up timing and install it.

 

definitly the gear itself, just pulled mine a few days ago, the way you can tell is the keyway should line up perfectly with the dot on the gear, if it is off to the right then it is a 4* retarded model, no the cam is a standard cam and as soon as you run it straight up it will be like running the old 429/460 with their cams...the stock cam is just really low on lift and duration and any aftermarket cam would be a better choice

 

Thank you for the info! I'd considered doing a cam now, but I'm not pulling the intake manifold - yet.

I plan on "later" doing a complete overhaul of the motor, and will build it as a complete end-to-end package at that point. Crane(I believe) has released a retro-fit hydra roller setup which I plan on using for a cam, along with appropriate clean-up work on the heads and general block machining.


...but for now, I'm driving it.

 

good luck with it, i just put a cam in mine and im loving the new power, just make sure they hit the exhaust hard when they clean up your heads, ford really restricted that area

 

Be prepared to reset the ignition timing when replacing the cam gear. Advancing the cam will also advance the ignition timing, which *may* cause pinging.
While most people would know this, it doesn't mean that everyone would realise this automatically.

 

i would stay straight up unless you are running a really radical engine set up where you will need the extra timing at idle.. just a thought

 

You know - it makes sense, but I actually wouldn't have thought to do it lest you reminded me.

The last time I timed it, I set it at 8*BTDC, the swap would knock me to 12*BTDC and probably not have much effect, but doesn't hurt to add it to the list of things to do.