Crank/Cam timing question

[mjseakan]

I've read that for 1973 Ford retarded the timing at the crank or (cam?) by 4 degrees. Can I get that back by replacing the timing chain set?
Does the timing set have to be adjustable or will any decent aftermarket set do?
Is there anything else that needs to be modified/replaced? I assume that the distributor timing would have to be reset.
What are the consequences of doing this?
Is it worth it?

Mike

 

[Hemikiller]

There's another thread going on about timing chains, so I'll just post my recommendation here as well.

For your 351C, the Rollmaster CS3091 timing set is the bee's knees, but somewhat pricey depending upon your plans. A good alternative is the Summit roller with the multi-keyway sprocket. This will allow you to advance the cam 4° at the crank to gain back some low-end grunt that was lost when Ford ground the cam retarded starting in 1972.

https://www.amazon.com/Rollmaster-CS3091-Billet-Roller-351C-400M/dp/B00TO61NLG
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g6621r-9/make/ford

 

[71ProjectJunk]

The 4 degree timing retard is ground into the cam, so just replacing the timing chain will not do it. As Hemikiller said, you will need to get an adjustable timing chain and use the 4 degree advance setting on the chain sprocket.

 

[mjseakan]

@71ProjectJunk : That answers one of my questions, thank you.
I'd need an adjustable timing set. That's what I assumed but I wasn't sure.

@Hemikiller : The thread about the sloppy timing chain is what refreshed my memory about the 4 deg. retard. I didn't want to hijack the thread. Your link brings up another question though: I have a 302. Is the timing situation the same?

 

[Hemikiller]

@Hemikiller : I have a 302. Is the timing situation the same?

The late-72 and up 302 used a timing set with the retard incorporated into the cam gear. From 5/2/72 on, the gear was a D3AZ part number, vs the earlier C5OZ.

Link to Cloyes setup on Summit. You can use a stock replacement for a 71 302 if you prefer. Whatever you get, just be sure it's designed for the two piece fuel pump eccentric.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clo-9-1138/make/ford

 

[mjseakan]

Thanks @Hemikiller, I wouldn't have known to look for one that was designed for a 2 piece eccentric.