You are here:
Classic/Antique Car Repair/timing
Advertisement
Question
I had to replace the camshaft in my 66 Corvette (327/350hp) and want to make sure I aline the timing chain sprockets correctly. Do I put #1 cylinder on compression stroke and set the crank sproket mark at 12:00 and the camshaft sprocket at 12:00, or the crank sproket at 12:00 and the camshaft sprocket at 6:00? Most of what I read tells me to put the camshaft sprocket at 12:00 if #1 piston is TDC on the compression stroke. Thanks!
Did you replace the cam with a stock cam or a special aftermarket performance cam?
Let me know.
Brad
If you have replaced the cam with a stock cam the correct procedure is for the mark on the crank gear to be at 12 o'clock and the cam at 6 o'clock regardless of where the piston in. The gears are keyed on the cam and crank and this is just an alignment mark. If you have used a modified cam it will be recommended in the instructions with the cam to use a degree wheel and dial indicator.
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.