Engine Timing Set Guide for 1966-1979 Dodge Charger
Keep your classic Charger's engine in sync and running strong with the right timing set.
- The original factory timing sets used a failure-prone nylon-coated cam gear; upgrading to an all-metal set is essential for reliability.
- A 'double roller' timing set from a quality brand like Cloyes or Melling is a common and highly recommended performance and durability upgrade.
- Symptoms of failure include engine rattle, poor performance, and finding plastic or metal debris in the engine oil.
- Replacing the water pump and front crankshaft seal at the same time is a smart, cost-effective practice.
Is Your Charger's Timing Set Failing?
The timing set is a wear item. Over many miles and decades, the timing chain stretches and the gear teeth wear down. On many original Mopar engines from this era, the camshaft gear was coated in nylon to reduce noise. This nylon becomes brittle over time, cracks, and the pieces can fall into the oil pan, potentially clogging the oil pump pickup screen and starving the engine of oil. This is the most common and critical failure point for original timing sets.
Key Failure Point: Nylon Cam Gear
If your engine still has the original timing set, it likely has a nylon-coated cam gear. It is not a matter of if it will fail, but when. Replacing it is a crucial preventative maintenance step for any 1966-1979 Charger.
Symptoms of a Bad Timing Set
- Engine Rattle: A loose, stretched chain can make a rattling or clattering sound from the front of the engine, especially at idle or on startup.
- Poor Performance & Backfiring: If the chain stretches enough to "jump a tooth" on the gears, the camshaft timing will be incorrect. This can cause a loss of power, rough running, hesitation, and backfiring through the carburetor or exhaust.
- Metal or Plastic in Oil: When changing your oil, finding bits of plastic (from the cam gear) or metal shavings is a major red flag that the timing set is coming apart.
- Engine Won't Start: In a worst-case scenario, a completely broken chain means the camshaft won't turn, and the engine cannot run at all. This can lead to severe damage if pistons hit the valves.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
For a 1966-1979 Charger, new OEM parts are generally unavailable. The aftermarket is the primary source, and many options are significant upgrades over the original factory parts. The biggest improvement is moving from a stock "silent" chain with nylon gears to a full metal, double-roller setup.
Brand & Quality Tiers
Your choice depends on your engine and how you drive your Charger.
- Standard Replacement (Good): Brands like INA or standard-line Melling offer quality replacements for stock engines. These are a good step up from the original nylon gear design and are suitable for daily drivers or stock restorations.
- Heavy-Duty / Performance (Better): Brands like Cloyes, Melling Select Performance, and Edelbrock offer superior strength and accuracy. These sets often feature a "double roller" chain, which is much stronger and less prone to stretching than a standard chain. They are an excellent upgrade for any Charger, especially those with modified engines. Many owners consider a double roller set a must-do upgrade.
Pro Tip: Go for a Double Roller
For the small price difference, a double roller timing set from a brand like Cloyes or Melling Select Performance provides a massive increase in strength and timing accuracy. It's a worthwhile investment for the longevity and health of any classic Mopar V8.
Estimated Costs for Timing Set Replacement
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Timing Set | $32 - $318 |
| Shop Labor | $450 - $900 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $482 - $1,218 |
Costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, vehicle's specific engine, and the parts chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace my water pump at the same time?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The timing cover must be removed to access the timing set, and the water pump is mounted to the timing cover. Since the water pump has to be removed anyway, replacing it at the same time saves you from paying for the same labor twice down the road.
What is a "double roller" chain?
A double roller chain has two sets of rollers and links side-by-side, making it significantly stronger and more durable than a standard single row or "silent" type chain. It provides more stable and accurate timing, which is especially important for performance applications.
Are there any recalls or TSBs for the 1966-1979 Charger timing set?
No, searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no recalls or specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the engine timing set on 1966-1979 Dodge Charger models. The primary known issue is the common failure of the original nylon-coated cam gears due to age.
How do I know if my timing chain has stretched?
Besides a rattling noise, a mechanic can check for stretch by removing the distributor cap and turning the engine backward by hand at the crankshaft bolt. By observing how many degrees the crankshaft turns before the distributor rotor begins to move, they can measure the slack in the chain. More than a few degrees of slack indicates a stretched chain.
Technical Specifications
The primary specification difference is the chain type: standard 'silent' link chain, single roller chain, or heavy-duty double roller chain. Sets also vary by engine (Slant-6, Small Block, Big Block) and camshaft bolt pattern (single-bolt vs. three-bolt).
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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.
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- Is Your Charger's Timing Set Failing?
- Key Failure Point: Nylon Cam Gear
- Symptoms of a Bad Timing Set
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
- Brand & Quality Tiers
- Pro Tip: Go for a Double Roller
- Estimated Costs for Timing Set Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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