Timing Chain / Cam

[67primer]

Im about to replace my timing chain and was wondering if there are any surprises or is it a basic swap. Its my first attempt but it seems pretty straight forward as far as bolt-ons go.

Any gasket seal problems?

Should I do a cam while Im at it? What cam should I go with for a stock 289 80k miles.

 

[Explorer]

Personally, I wouldn't, not at that mileage. Your engine has fitted itself to whats in it. Changing the cam will change valve lift etc, and could cause valve seals to start leaking due to new range of movement. But just an opinion, and not an expert one. All the trouble changing cam, might as well do a head job, intake to go with the cam, rings have to be getting worn. I would just wait till you're ready to rebuild it.

 

[67primer]

Thanks. Thats what I will probably do.

 

[broncnaz]

The Edlebrock performer cam is very popular and you dont need anything else and should yeild a nocticeable power increase.
Only issue is you will need to remove the grill to install a cam but it is a good time to do it since you will have the front of the engine pulled apart.
I wouldnt worry all that much about valve seal as they ride on the stem of the valve and higher lifts dont make a bit of differance. It wont cause valve seal failure. 80,000 miles is not all that much for a engine so I would think that the rings and valves are good.
I've changed many cams out on engines with way more mileage with no problems.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Good idea to replace the timing set. Change the water and fuel pumps now too. At 80K I've seen the plastic coated aluminum sprockets practically toothless. The only thing that can be a problem is there are two different timing sets. One for a one piece fuel pump eccentric and one for a two piece. The sprockets are offset differently.
I had about 65K miles on my 302 when I added cam, carb, and headers. It pretty much turned a good motor, in it's mid life into after life. Ran really strong then started using lots of oil.

 

[ADNICK]

Just did mine

Great time to replace cam and lifters, make sure you do replace the lifters with the cam. Good advice on the water pump and fuel pump also....

All of the clips broke on my grill so it was a hassle to remove, but it gave me a chance to put on new clips ;D

There are some great cams out there (I love "dual grinds") esp when combined with Rhoads Lifters, they make some noise but work well. To get the one I wanted I had to go with a 351W cam, just had to change the firing order....

Later,
Nick

 

[stock1970]

change that timing set for sure... my chain slipped and the valves hit the top of the pistons,,, bent all the valves and now no compression because of no seating of the valves.. happened to my bronco at 172k and my mustang II in high school at 110k... I would just leave the rest along .. if it aint broke dont fix it..

 

[67primer]

Yeah Im doing water pump also.

Does anyone have a cam/intake combo I can buy? Im still running the original 2bbl

 

[broncnaz]

check your local craigslist. And dont buy a used cam. You can get a new cam and lifters for fairly cheap from places like summit racing.