Got my new cam today, took apart most of the engine. (by the way, they should not call it a "cam swap", that sounds easy like a spark plug swap. Replacing the cam requires removal of everything but the pistons.) Anyway, down to the chain, this thing swings back and forth quite a bit. Has 55k miles on it. Not enough play to skip a tooth. Almost 3/4" play on each side, simultaneously, without much pressure or moving either gear. Is this normal, or do I need to "swap" something? If I need to swap, what is the feedback on the chainless gear-gear-gear cam "chains"? They also come in quiet and with a "blower sounding" hum. Any mechanical difference or performance difference between these, and the chain?
Yes change the timing set If you are doing a cam swap I would replace the timing set even at 20,000 miles. That is more than enough wear to replace it, should be no more than 1/2 inch play with one side tight. On the gear drive, both of them you can hear but the noisey one will drive you crazy. I had one on a Cleaveland and it was so noisey I couldn't hear the engine. You will have to modify the timing cover to install the gear but it's very easy. It's all in what you like, I'm a little older 39 so I like it quiet, but if I was a little younger I'd buy the noisey one. If you don't do the gear drive go with a double roller chain and gear.
a lot of guys on various Mustang forums do not like the timing gears as they transfer too much vibration to the drivetrain.
I agree, I have always wanted a gear drive, but they are loud (reason i wanted it at the time) but I'd just go w/ a double roller chain
If you are going to the work of doing a cam, always get a new chain and gear as well. Then you don't have to go back in there for a long time. Also, Ford retarded their cams on many of the smog models 4 degrees. Replacing the gears will eliminate that. Comp cams advances theirs 4 degrees.
This is a copy of what I wrote on another related thread: OK, got it running, thanks to all the help from you guys. I got it timed to within 2' and primed the oil 3 times. The first time just to see if it worked, the second time I ran it until oil came out of the tops of the rockers, then one last time after installing all parts and ready to run. It started within 2 turns (ruhh-ruhh-VROOOM!). Ran it at 1500-2500 for 30 minutes, adjusted the idle down to about 1000, and took it for a spin for another half hour, but taking it easy. The only thing I messed up on was I put wads of papertowel in each of the intake ports on the heads, and must have forgot to take them out before putting on the manifold. For the first 30 seconds, I had flaming bits of paper coming out of the exhaust, and flying all around the garage and surrounding neighborhood. Scary, but after it all burned out, it ran fine. Hopefully, no permanent damage. PS-I turned in the priming tool I got from Hi-Lo ($40), it was 5/16". Went to the local hardware and bought 3 magnetized screwdriver extensions for $2 each (that use the plug in screwdriver bits) put them together, put it on the drill, worked perfectly.
i would certainly agree with a dual roller timing chain.....when you have the power to boot...a single chain will strecth much faster and then the cam will get out of timing... double roller ALWAYS.... at least thats my opinion good luck
