Engine Timing Set Guide for the 1960-1970 Dodge Dart
Keep your classic Dart's Slant-6 or V8 running strong by understanding its timing set needs.
- The original nylon-toothed camshaft gear is a common failure point; replacing it with an all-metal aftermarket set is a crucial reliability upgrade.
- For stock Slant-6 and V8 engines, a standard replacement set from a brand like Cloyes or Melling is an excellent and affordable choice.
- Performance engines with upgraded camshafts benefit from a stronger double roller timing set from brands like Edelbrock or Melling Select Performance.
- Symptoms like engine rattle, misfires, or metal in the oil should be investigated immediately to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Is Your Dart's Timing Set on Borrowed Time?
For owners of a 1960-1970 Dodge Dart, the engine timing set is a critical maintenance item. Many of these cars, especially those with the famously durable Slant-6 engine, originally came with a camshaft sprocket that had nylon-coated teeth. This was done from the factory to make the engine run quieter. After decades of heat, oil exposure, and mechanical stress, this nylon can become brittle, crack, and break off. When this happens, the timing chain can become loose, skip a tooth, or even break, leading to poor running or catastrophic engine failure. Upgrading to an all-metal aftermarket timing set is one of the most important reliability improvements you can make.
Key Failure Point: Nylon Camshaft Gear
The original nylon-toothed camshaft gear is the weakest link in the original timing system. Pieces can break off and clog the oil pump pickup screen, starving the engine of oil. All aftermarket replacement sets for these vehicles use durable all-steel or iron sprockets, making even a standard replacement a significant upgrade over the original design.
Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
- Engine Rattle: A loose timing chain can slap against the timing cover, creating a rattling noise, especially at idle or on startup.
- Engine Misfires: If the chain stretches or jumps a tooth, the cam and crank timing will be out of sync, leading to misfires and rough running.
- Metal Shavings in Oil: When you change your oil, finding small metal flakes in the drained oil or on the magnetic drain plug is a major red flag. These can be bits of a deteriorating timing set.
- Loss of Power: Incorrect valve timing from a stretched chain will reduce engine efficiency, causing sluggish acceleration and poor overall performance.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
Selecting a new timing set depends on your Dart's engine and how you use it. All reputable aftermarket brands like Cloyes, Melling, and Edelbrock offer all-metal sprockets that eliminate the original nylon gear problem.
Standard Replacement (Good)
For a stock or daily-driven Slant-6 or small block V8 (like the 273 or 318), a standard replacement set from Cloyes or Melling is an excellent choice. These are affordable, reliable, and a direct upgrade from the factory parts. They typically feature a standard "silent" or link-belt style chain and high-quality steel or iron sprockets.
Heavy-Duty & Performance (Better/Best)
If you have a modified engine (performance camshaft, higher compression) or simply want the most durable option, consider a double roller timing set. Brands like Melling Select Performance and Edelbrock offer these kits.
- Double Roller Chain: These are stronger than standard chains and are less prone to stretching under high RPM and heavy loads.
- Adjustable Timing: Many performance sets, like those from Edelbrock, feature multiple keyways on the crankshaft sprocket. This allows a builder to advance or retard the camshaft timing by a few degrees to shift the engine's power band, a feature useful for fine-tuning performance engines.
Estimated Costs for Timing Set Replacement
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Timing Set (Standard) | $31 - $75 |
| New Aftermarket Timing Set (Performance/Double Roller) | $75 - $168 |
| Shop Labor | $400 - $700 |
Costs are estimates and can vary based on location and vehicle condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an aftermarket timing set really better than the original?
Yes. For the 1960-1970 Dodge Dart, even a standard aftermarket timing set is a significant upgrade because it replaces the failure-prone nylon-toothed camshaft gear with a durable all-metal one.
Do I need a double roller timing chain?
For a stock engine, a standard replacement set is perfectly adequate. A double roller chain is stronger and recommended for high-performance engines with aggressive camshafts and stiffer valve springs to prevent chain stretch.
What does 'advancing' or 'retarding' cam timing mean?
This refers to slightly changing the camshaft's position relative to the crankshaft. Advancing the cam generally improves low-end torque, while retarding it can improve high-RPM horsepower. This is an advanced tuning feature found on performance timing sets and is not necessary for stock engines.
Are there any recalls for the 1960-1970 Dodge Dart timing set?
No specific recalls for the timing set were found in a search of the NHTSA database for this period. The nylon gear issue is a widely recognized wear-and-tear problem due to the age and materials of the original part, not a manufacturing defect that led to a recall.
What other parts should I replace at the same time?
While you have the timing cover off, it is highly recommended to replace the timing cover gasket set and the front crankshaft seal to prevent oil leaks. It's also a good time to inspect the water pump for any leaks or bearing play.
Technical Specifications
Primary engines include the Slant-6 (170, 225 cid) and small block V8s (273, 318, 340 cid). Aftermarket sets are available in standard link-belt or heavy-duty double roller chain configurations. Performance sets may offer multiple keyways for timing adjustments.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Dart's Timing Set on Borrowed Time?
- Key Failure Point: Nylon Camshaft Gear
- Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
- Standard Replacement (Good)
- Heavy-Duty & Performance (Better/Best)
- Estimated Costs for Timing Set Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions
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