Thread: 351C Cam timing.

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I have a '72 351C 2V I am putting in a 56 ford sedan. After some research on the motor specs, I saw the big HP drop on these motors between '71 and '72. One of the changes the factory made was retarding the cam timing 4 deg. I am installing a double roller chain with different degree options. I know I can put the timing back to the '71 spec, but what would happen if I advanced the timing 4 deg.? That would be an 8 deg. difference from the 72 spec. Is this benificial, or a bad idea? I will be running a performer-ish cam, dble roller timing chain, performer intake and 600 carb, Gm style HEI ignition. Bottom end and heads are stock Thanks.

Check with the cam grinder first to see if he ground the cam with a 4 degree advance. Most of them do put some kind of advance into the cam when they grind them. If you use a '71 sprocket/chain kit and the cam is ground 4 advanced, you should be good to go. To do the job right, mount a degree wheel on the crank and use a dial indicator to degree the cam in on the specs provided by the cam grinder. Advancing the cam in relation to the crank will increase low-end power, retarding it will aid you at the top end.

Why not just buy a 71 cam or a after market cam?
If that cam is a 72 It's probable worn some.
After market cams have come a long way since 72,
they have wider power bands with more torque and HP.
Why waste your money trying to make a old worn cam work.
Just my 2 cents!


~ Vegas ~

PS I'm building a 351 Boss/cleveland right now too!

This is my list of componets. Keep in mind this is a VERY econo build, as my budget is T-I-G-H-T!

Summmit cam and lifter set. (eq. to a performer)
Summit double roller timing set
edelbrock performer intake
600 or 650 cfm carb
HV oil pump, oil restrictor kit, new balancer.
GM style HEI ignition.

Heads and bottom end are stock

As this is going to be a street car, and the bottom end is not balanced, I am looking for more low end torque than top end.

PS: Vara, keep me posted on your 351C build. Thanks

with those parts you got, you're most likely not even going to to have the whole '72 HP drop you spoke of... most aftermarket parts like that make the parts generalized to fit all years, and because so they'll have removed the HP drop you would see using a stock setup.... make sure to do as you were advised and check if your cam is already advanced... if not, you can advance it the 4 degrees with your timing set, but i really dont reccomend doing that, because if you do have problems, then you gotta pull the whole front end of the engine apart... thats the one thing i dont like about fords