| Timing gear comparison . Early vs late (cam timing retarded 8 crank degrees) |
| Starting in 1972 ford used the retarded crankshaft sprocket, Pictured at right.. |
| Just changing the timing set on a later model 429/460 to the early style will help low end torque and response. The difference is pronounced!! The stock camshaft is designed to peak around 4,500 rmp or less. The BBF is fussy about intake opening point. Stock is 16* BTDC. The retarded sprocket makes it 8* BTDC. Most high performance engines seem to run best with an intake valve opening point of around 41* BTDC |
| Remember to reset ignition timing after changing the timing set. |
| When installing a higher performance cam always use the early straight up timing set |
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| It has been my experience that when using an early timing set on a later model vehicle with the smog cam that the low end response is improved but the high end HP suffers as the power band is moved down some 500 RPM. The specs on the smogger cam were changed to accomodate the retarded timing set. Always use the early timing set when changing cams. |