Cloyes C-3023X Timing Set 3 degrees advanced?

[BigRandy]

I have 112,000 miles on a stock 74 454 in my C10 and I'm going to replace the timing set soon before it jumps. A friend suggested using the Cloyes C-3023X double roller with adjustable crank gear and install it 3 degrees advanced.

He said the engine was detuned by GM to meet certain standards, and that using the crank gear to advance it would result in more vacuum, better idle, and better midrange torque.

I have a hard time believing it's possible to get something good for free, and I don't want to do this twice. Is his info correct?

[AussieinNC]

C-3023X set comes standard with +2, 0, or -2 keyways slots.

Go with +2,,,however...

If the chain and gear set is so worn you expect it to jump time, what is the rest of the engine internal like?

Over to you...

Bill

[BigRandy]

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

C-3023X set comes standard with +2, 0, or -2 keyways slots.

Go with +2,,,however...

If the chain and gear set is so worn you expect it to jump time, what is the rest of the engine internal like?

Over to you...

Bill

Great question. I'm not 100% sure.

However, this is more of a PM based on my experience with engines using nylon gears. The engine seems fine. It has good compression, 45+ psi oil pressure on a hot highway and 32 at idle. It uses a quart about every 1000 miles, same as my 73 - 454 with 80K. I'm guessing it's in good shape. It's not a hotrod. Just a daily driver when I can afford the $&%@#! gas.

[AussieinNC]

Just wanted to make sure you dont open Pandoras box....

If the original cam gear is one of those plastic fantastic wonders of modern design madness, then you may be good...just ensure any worn out pieces are not sucked into the oil pick up screen.

Old man signing off now

[THI]

Decades ago I had a 1972 Kingswood with a Small Block 400 with 70,000 miles on it when the timing chain jumped one tooth. That is when I discovered that GM was using aluminum/plastic timing gears on the cam, the only problem was the plastic was all in small pieces in the bottom of the oil pan! Cleaned it all out, installed a standard Cloyes link belt timing set and the car ran great for another 70,000 when I sold it. The standard Cloyes link belt timing set held up much better than the original.

[BigRandy]

Thanks, guys. Can you tell me if the 2 degree advance is noticeable?

[AussieinNC]

Seat of the pants...yes, better than 0....much depends on rest of engine condition...

Headers will wake it up and if you are looking for more.

Make sure the distributor is scoped out and providing you the advance it neads.

[AussieinNC]

Originally Posted by THI

Decades ago I had a 1972 Kingswood with a Small Block 400 with 70,000 miles on it when the timing chain jumped one tooth. That is when I discovered that GM was using aluminum/plastic timing gears on the cam, the only problem was the plastic was all in small pieces in the bottom of the oil pan! Cleaned it all out, installed a standard Cloyes link belt timing set and the car ran great for another 70,000 when I sold it. The standard Cloyes link belt timing set held up much better than the original.

MMM...now back in Australia I had a 1972 Kingswood (Holden) with a 308 and auto trans...went well and was reliable....brings back some good memories.

[twinsemi]

Two degrees is not going to make a huge difference.
It will give you better low end torque, better idle and a lower top end RPM limit. On the Comp Cams 265 in my 283 SBC, it is set to +4 deg and it drops the HP peak from 5900 rpm down to 5600.