Thread: installing a cam?

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i just bought an edelbrock performer plus cam for my 350 motor and have a question i hope someone can answer.it had a warning in the box saying i had to buy a edelbrock timing gear set becouse stock sbc timing chain gears are not marked true but machined in a retarded position.i dont want to have to degree the cam and hope that stock timing gear marks will time at true 0 with this cam.has anyone else heard this about small blocks or do you think edelbrock is just trying to scare people that know very little about cams into buying there timing set?.someone with performer plus cam experince please help.

if theres any way you can count the teeth on the timing gear for the edelbrock one...do that and if its the same amount of teeth you should be fine...if it ends up being retarded...just advance the timing a little bit

If I were you I would have a cam special grind for my car. Trust me the cost is about the same as a already grind one. I guess what I am saying is that it will no doubt help you car perform to it's peak for what you have in your motor and the company that you buy it from will also help you with any questions that you my have.

Comp grinds their cams 4 degrees advanced so you can get the proper timing while still installing the gear straight up. You can also buy a timing set with multiple keyways so you can set the cam at -4, 0, or 4 degrees. Timing chains are cheap, I bought a Comp Magnum chain for only $29. Also, there is going to be more strain on your timing chain with the bigger cam so it is probably a good idea to just get a new chain anyways.

I seriously doubt that Edelbrock is trying to twist anybody's tail. They are an old line family owned company with a reputation to uphold, and have made their name on quality and service to the Hot Rod and car community. If they recomend a part to go with one of their cams, I'd give the benefit of the doubt to them. In recent years, they have put a lot of effort and engineering into the development of parts that are compatible, and designed to work together to the best advantage. Why would they risk their reputation on such a silly marketing tactic?