If I use the K.W. Wilson method timing my valves can I still use a new 7 1/2 degree cam gear? Thanks Al
The cam gear will give you different timing than the K.W. Wilson. Everything will be 7 1/2 degrees ahead of the original measurement. Some cams are ground to give you earlier opening or closing of the valves without any change of gear. The advanced gear will only improve performance at the low end if you have an original grind. It will not improve the high end performance.
Not only that, but you will need to know the grind of your camshaft. If you have an original Ford camshaft which came from the factory, the K.W. Wilson method will work. If you have an "improved grind" things will be different. Most of the new grinds or new camshafts will be adjusted by the clearance with the lifter on the heel of the cam. The instructions that came with the camshaft will give you the correct clearance. That can vary from 10 thousandths to 18 thousandths. If you don't know the instruction which came with your camshaft, 12 to 16 thousandths will be on the safe side. That will at least let the valves close completely and keep you from burning the valves.
This is what I would suggest. adjust all the valves to the same clearance, and then check the timing where the valves open or close. They should be approximately the same place for each cylinder. If you have one opening or closing earlier than the others, give that one more clearance. Do not reduce the clearance to make the valve open or close earlier.
Norm
The computer dyno shows that advancing the stock Ford cam 7.5 deg with 0.015 in clearance improves low end torque 0.37% with no change in low end Horse Power High end torque is improved 2.1% and high end Horse power 2.3%. Our 280 high performance cam is advanced to 2 deg ATDC which is optimum.
Thank you gentlemen.