ok, now correct me if I am wrong but I have a few questions. I want to change my cam timing (8 deg retarded now I belive) So I get new timing gears and put then in to 0 deg, will there be any problems with my fuel injection or anything. 1988 460. I am told that I will pick up some power and mileage.

 

Advancing the cam timing may reduce high rpm performance. As far as fuel injection problems i don't think there will be on a truck that old. There are no crank sensors or cam sensors on it, basically the computer only looks at the o2 sensors for input. Just be careful not to adjust it so much that the valves hit the pistons. Maybe you would be better off getting a degree wheel and degreeing to specs.

-Jon

 

well, hitting the pistons I don't think would be a problem. They changed it in ??71-72?? and then never went back. Those engines were closer tolerances then mine.

 

I'm not understanding your question. What are you using as reference points for your degree points? Is your engine stock, or has someone already altered the cam (valve) timing? Are you wanting to advance it 8 degrees over stock, or return it to stock because someone else retarded it? With a stock timing chain and gears, the two dots on the gears should align at 6 o'clock (cam gear) and 12 o'clock (crank gear). Is that the way yours is, or do you have aftermarket gears installed? Please clarify for me.

Take care,
-Chris

 

Nope, my engine is stock at this point. Ford has it retarded 8 deg for emissions. I want to advance it 8 deg to to a straight up position.

 

Okay, I understand what you're asking. I wouldn't recommend it, for the sole reason that your system is speed density. If it was mass air, it could adjust to the differences, but unless you got a specially burned chip, your SD ECM wouldn't respond appropriately. If you decide to try it, make sure your new timing gear set is listed for pre-1972.

Take care,
-Chris