I had an interesting experience with an aftermarket 3 position double roller timing set for a 460 a few years ago and it's worth mentioning. The set was made where the zero straight up mark was actually the same as the factory RETARD (8 crank degrees) set! I found this right away when I checked the cam timing but if a person didn't it would slip by.

 

Would this also apply to the boat anchor 1973 (400)interceptor ? I replaced the timing chain from stock single to a double roller it is origanaly retarded timing I set it to straight up but the damn thing won't start it acts like there isn't enough power to crank it over I've replaced all the wires including grounds twice starter twice coil point plugs plug wires I even the dizzy ,if this applies ? Sorta makes sense to me thanks and happy new year in advance

 

The B429 chain you noted above is an excellent option, mostly because of the 9-position keyways on the crank gear.

 

Replacement of the original is a worthy goal. Another possibility is the Cloyes. I used the Cloyes billet. It also has the 9 positions ("straight up"; 4 retarded; 4 advanced; all at increments of 2 crankshaft degrees). The Ford may be a better value.(?) If you go with a roller and want to use the original oil slinger, be sure to check the chain to slinger clearance. Some run close. I added a thin shim to assure sufficient clearance. All worked well.

 

The original IS a double roller chain.

It is known as an OEM style "Plus" roller set-up and there are many aftermarket suppliers who also package this type timing set for O.E.M. replacement or high performance.
The Ford Racing, Cloyes and a lot of others use a stronger and more accepted in the racing world,"True roller", double roller timing set. Some have a steel top cam gear and some are cast ductile iron for the cam gear; some have nine position crank gears and some have 3 position or only one position.

The largest problem with the original set-up for that year "driver" engine is the retarded crankshaft gear. The 93 and up factory timing sets are "straight-up" and do not have a retarded crankshaft gear.

 

As a side note...

Do not run a billet upper cam gear on the soft iron factory cam thrust plate. The excessive wear is significant. I had one combo come into the shop where the cam gear ate 75% of the way through the retaining plate!

If there is a torrington thrust bearing on the back of the cam gear you are ok.




S

 

Thanks for the "heads up" on the billet hazard. I'm wondering if it was a competition engine and how much use was on the cam gear. Any added information would be appreciated. I may have to make a change.

 

When simply replacing a factory "Retarded" timing set simply get a double "plus roller" set from any good parts store for a 1990 and later light truck truck engine. It is "straight up" and NOT "retarded"

 

When simply replacing a factory "Retarded" timing set simply get a double "plus roller" set from any good parts store for a 1992 and later light truck truck engine. It is "straight up" and NOT "retarded"