Cam change help with 351w

anotherFFR! · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2004, 10:58 PM

I just removed the stock cam from my 351w. I aligned the timing marks on the timing chain gears before I pulled them off. My question is how do you know where to line up the new cam or will the new timing gear pully only go on the right way?? I know I was supposed to put the #1 cyl at TDC, but I thought by aligning the timing marks that would do it, so I didnt check for sure by looking at valve opening and closings. Since all the lifters have been removed, I am essentially at the short block assembly stage and my Chilton manual is very vague on this part of the assembly.

If it is as I suspect, (that I am nowhere near TDC #1) how do you find TDC on #1 without the cam and lifters installed?

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2004, 12:48 AM

You are doing it correctly. The two gears have alignment "dots" on their faces. Some of the small crank gears have several slots for key on the crankshaft to fit into. This allows for the possibility of advancing or retarding the camshaft a few degrees. The syncronization of the crank and cam will be correct when the dots are aligned.

Rick