All Small Six Factory Cam Timing

[Maverick57]

I have a 1974 Maverick with a 200, I'm fixing to replace the water pump, and timing set. I read somewhere that the factory cam degree setting for the 1974 200 was 8* retarded. I wanted to verify this because I was leaning towards advancing it back to 0* or possibly 2* advance when I replace the set. Is -8* the actual factory cam setting in 1974? Thanks

 

[awasson]

I’ve never heard that cam timing was detuned from the factory but I have been advised that they are never “straight up” when they are dot-to-dot and the variance is unpredictable. You might have one engine that is +4 degrees advanced at dot-to-dot or you might have one that is -6 degrees retarded. My aftermarket cam was nearly 10 degrees advanced at dot-to-dot. I bought a double roller chain with an adjustable sprocket set with 16 degrees of adjustability; +/- 8 degrees.

Can you get the cam timing specs from Ford? I’ve never checked but that would be useful. Otherwise you can do all the measurements yourself and then dial it in.

 

[Maverick57]

I’ve never heard that cam timing was detuned from the factory but I have been advised that they are never “straight up” when they are dot-to-dot and the variance is unpredictable. You might have one engine that is +4 degrees advanced at dot-to-dot or you might have one that is -6 degrees retarded. My aftermarket cam was nearly 10 degrees advanced at dot-to-dot. I bought a double roller chain with an adjustable sprocket set with 16 degrees of adjustability; +/- 8 degrees.

Can you get the cam timing specs from Ford? I’ve never checked but that would be useful. Otherwise you can do all the measurements yourself and then dial it in.

I've seen a tremendous amount of factory cams that got detuned, especially during the smog era in the early '70s. Most aftermarket cams have advance ground into the cam (2-4*), but little, if any, factory cams did so.

I have a 1970 Cadillac Coupe Deville with a 472, and the factory cam degree was at +2* advanced, 1968 472's were +4* advanced, and 1971 472's were at -4* retarded. I've seen mid-70s 460's as high as -6* retarded.

When I read the possibility of the 74 200ci being -8* I could totally see it. I just wanted to verify this because if it was, I was going to move the cam back 1 tooth and get it back to +1*. A 40-tooth sprocket should give 9*/tooth (360/40 = 9)

 

[alwill923]

The only true way to know is to degree the cam.

 

[bmbm40]

I've seen a tremendous amount of factory cams that got detuned, especially during the smog era in the early '70s. Most aftermarket cams have advance ground into the cam (2-4*), but little, if any, factory cams did so.

I have a 1970 Cadillac Coupe Deville with a 472, and the factory cam degree was at +2* advanced, 1968 472's were +4* advanced, and 1971 472's were at -4* retarded. I've seen mid-70s 460's as high as -6* retarded.

When I read the possibility of the 74 200ci being -8* I could totally see it. I just wanted to verify this because if it was, I was going to move the cam back 1 tooth and get it back to +1*. A 40-tooth sprocket should give 9*/tooth (360/40 = 9)

That is a nice Cadillac you have they were fantastic cars. Large, powerful and comfortable.

 

[drag-200stang]

The only true way to know is to degree the cam.

X2

 

[drag-200stang]

Because cam degreeing is in crank degrees. One cam tooth is 360/38=9.473 x2=18.947 crankshaft degrees.
These engines need to be degreed, to know for sure, what they machined them at.

 

[Maverick57]

Because cam degreeing is in crank degrees. One cam tooth is 360/38=9.473 x2=18.947 crankshaft degrees.
These engines need to be degreed, to know for sure, what they machined them at.

Great reminder! Thanks for that! So you're saying in this situation, with a 38-tooth cam sprocket, if I'm at 118*, then advancing the cam 1 tooth, I'm at 99.053*? I did test fit it and checked clearances, then checked cranking compression. Went from 120psi to 150psi. I did the David Vizard formula to see what the ideal LSA is for the 200ci, and I got 107*. I found a resource that said the factory cam profile is 114* LSA. I'm leaning more toward taking the time to set it up to degree it (engine is still in the car).

 

[Otto]

If you have access to the "Falcon Performance Handbook", there are stock cam timings published in the camshaft section. These are what I used with an adjustable timing set when installing the cam in my van's engine.

 

[drag-200stang]

It would be best to get a dial indicator and degree wheel and make sure it is where you want it. There is a a adjustable timing set you can use, if you use it and have the oil slinger that goes between the crank sprocket and damper, do not use it, it is not necessary and will snag on the larger roller adjustable sprocket. Do not trust the numbers on sprocket, check the results.
I am old school and just set the cam according to cam card, there where no LSA on them, not familiar enough on LSA to give you that advice but I know that PMuller9 on here is, hopefully he see this, and can advise or you can DM him. Someone else may also chime in. Also do not get confused with LSA lobe separation angle that is ground into the cam when made and cannot be changed by moving timing and Intake LCA lobe center line that can be moved.
Mr. Muller Help!!!