Slick 60's

I'm to the timing gear installation point on the 'ol 460. This is the first time I've used a multiple keyway set & I'm sorta at odds as to which keyway to use.



According to the instruction sheet, do you think the "factory" one in the middle is zero, or is that gonna put me at the factory Ford retarded spot?
I'm thinking the "factory" one is zero.

I am not sure about the factory setting, probably is a little retard.

My dad put a similar set on his 460 in 89 F350, original cam, was changing rotten timing cover. Put it at the advance setting and BOY that engine woke up...

a timing set for a 1968 to 1971 460 will be straight up. 1972 up is the retarded timing set. you want the early set.

The only way to properly set a camshaft is to degree it to the manufacturer's specifications. Originally I had my Crane set straight up and it ran fine with the same gear set up you have. After spending some time with a degree wheel, I found out that it needed the 4 deg advance to meet the specs that Crane was advertising.

If you got a fits all version I can not help you without a degree wheel like Mark is talking about.
The only other way to insure TDC is @ 0* is to purchase Cloyes Accu Roll Double Row Set for a 68 thru 71, 385 series, But only if you're using OEM spec parts on your engine, like heads, cam, crank etc even the SCJ OEM cam is set @ 0*.

If you are using Aftermarket Performanc parts or Speed Parts use the spec's the Manufacturer provides.

I hope this helps some.

FBp

Thanks guys.
A degree wheel has been one of those things I've wanted to buy "someday", but haven't so far. I guess if I don't get this figured out where I'm pretty certain I'm at the right setting, I'd better go buy one.

I'll have to scope out my cam sheet closer, when I get home tonight.
Not that there's a whole bunch of info here, but the cam I bought is; THIS SET
And the timing set I bought is; THIS SET

I was gonna buy a Comp Cam timing set with the cam, but they were backordered...maybe I should have sourced a Comp set from elsewhere & spared myself the guessing?

To further add to the mix, I was comparing the harmonic balancers from both engines yesterday & noticed that the timing marks are 4º off from each other. So now I've gotta double check the TDC mark with actual TDC of the piston.
I have a feeling the one from the blown up engine is probably the one that's off...I'm thinkin' that the outer ring may have spun a little, when the engine locked up.
Joy.

I bet you're right about the balancer slipping... big old heavy donut is gonna keep spinning when the engine slams to a stop...

Slick, after reading summits foot note I think i`d put it in at factory setting.


Alan,

I agree. That is not a radical cam, and has a powerband that is within the stock power area. I would just set the timing strait up, or factory setting.

I'm glad you brought this up as I was wondering about buying a Cloyes timing set for my 460 just the other day.

However I have no clue what has been done to this motor, (its in my '77 F250) and I'm not sure if it already has an aftermarket cam, timing set or anything else in it, or if its just stock.

Is there any simple way to check? Obviously I'll have to tear some things down.

And Pete, I've been sending you emails the past few months, did you ever get any of them?

Thanks guys, I'm thinking the "factory" position is where I want it, too. I'm waiting for an e-mail reply to confirm my question.

ripsnorter wrote: Is there any simple way to check? Obviously I'll have to tear some things down.

You'll probably have to pull the cam out to tell. My Comp Cam has the grind number stamped on the back end of the cam. You probably already know to mark which holes your lifters come out of & put 'em back in the same holes, right?

Yeah I knew to do that

I was hoping they would stamp it on the end, do all manufacturers do that? in other words if its factory will it just not be stamped?

It's been a long time since I've seen a factory cam, so I can't say for certain...but I'd sorta think that there would be a Ford part number on there somewhere.

I would try to take the one out of my broken 460, but it might kick my butt.

I installed my cloyes straight up and wish I had done the advance. one of these days I may get back in there and change it.

I agree with Big Trip... I saw what happened when my dad advanced the gear on his 89 F350/460... It was a VERY noticeable bit perkier... If you put it in at straight up, you will never know the difference, but if you knew what you were missing out on.....

Slick your car came with the cam retarded 4* so set it straight up and your good to go.

Straight up it is, thanks guys.
It's tempting to do the 4º advanced thing, but there's NO way I'm digging back into the front end of that thing if I don't have to...just to please the emissions sniffer.

I hope I get my heads back from the shop this week, so I can slap it together this weekend.