A Ford Torino Owner's Guide to Engine Timing Set Replacement (1968-1976)
Don't let a worn-out timing chain sideline your classic Torino; understand your replacement options before it's too late.
- Upgrade from the original factory nylon-coated cam gear to an all-metal aftermarket set for greatly improved durability.
- Always replace the timing chain, camshaft sprocket, and crankshaft sprocket together as a matched set.
- For performance builds, a double-roller timing set from a brand like Edelbrock or Ford Performance offers the best strength and timing accuracy.
- If replacing a failed nylon gear, it is critical to drop the oil pan and clean the oil pump pickup screen of any debris.
Is Your Torino's Timing Chain on Borrowed Time?
For any 1968-1976 Ford Torino, the engine timing set is a major point of concern. Many of these cars left the factory with a camshaft sprocket that had nylon-coated teeth. Ford used this design to make the engine run quieter. Unfortunately, after decades of heat and exposure to engine oil, this nylon becomes brittle, cracks, and breaks off. These broken pieces fall into the oil pan, where they can clog the oil pump pickup screen, starving the engine of oil. This is a common and serious problem.
Even if your car didn't have the nylon gear, the timing chain itself stretches over time. A stretched chain can cause sloppy and retarded valve timing, which hurts performance and fuel economy. It can also slap against the timing cover, creating a rattling noise.
Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
- Rattling Noise: A distinct rattling or scraping sound from the front of the engine, especially noticeable when starting up or when you let off the gas.
- Engine Misfires and Rough Idle: A loose chain can cause the camshaft and crankshaft timing to jump, leading to a rough-running engine.
- Loss of Power: When valve timing is incorrect, your engine can't breathe efficiently, resulting in sluggish performance.
- Backfiring: Incorrect timing can cause fuel to ignite at the wrong time, sometimes sending a backfire through the carburetor or exhaust.
- Metal Shavings in Oil: When changing your oil, finding small pieces of plastic (from a nylon gear) or metal shavings is a red flag that the timing set is coming apart.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
The good news is that nearly any new aftermarket timing set is an upgrade over the original nylon-toothed design. All modern replacements use durable all-metal gears. When shopping, you'll find a few quality tiers to choose from.
Good: Standard Replacement Sets
Brands like Cloyes and Melling offer excellent standard replacement kits. These are perfect for a daily driver or a stock restoration. They typically feature a durable single-row roller chain and cast iron gears. This is a reliable and affordable option that eliminates the weak point of the original nylon gear.
Better: Heavy-Duty & True Roller Sets
For a bit more durability, look for heavy-duty or "true roller" sets from brands like Cloyes and Melling. A true roller chain has rollers on the pins, which reduces friction and wear for a longer life. These are a great choice for engines that see frequent use or have mild performance upgrades.
Best: Performance Double Roller Sets
For high-performance engines or for maximum peace of mind, a double roller timing set is the top choice. Brands like Ford Performance, Edelbrock, and Melling Select Performance offer these kits. They feature a much stronger double-row chain and sprockets made from billet steel for ultimate strength and timing accuracy. Many performance sets, like those from Ford Performance, also include multi-keyway crank sprockets, which allow a mechanic to advance or retard the cam timing to shift the engine's power band.
Estimated Costs for Timing Set Replacement
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Timing Set | $30 - $150 |
| Shop Labor | $400 - $700 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $430 - $850 |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, the specific parts chosen, and your vehicle's engine (e.g., 302, 351C, 429). While you're replacing the timing set, it's a good time to also replace the timing cover seal and water pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a double roller chain for my stock engine?
You can, and it won't hurt anything. It provides extra strength and peace of mind. However, for a stock or mildly modified engine, a quality single-row true roller set from a brand like Cloyes or Melling is more than adequate and very reliable.
My original timing set seems fine. Should I replace it anyway?
If your engine has high mileage and you know it has the original timing set, it's wise to replace it proactively. The original nylon-toothed cam gears are a known failure point and it's better to replace it on your terms than to have it fail on the road and potentially damage your engine.
What does a multi-keyway sprocket do?
A multi-keyway crank sprocket has several slots for the crankshaft key. This allows the installer to change the position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft, either "advanced" or "retarded." Advancing the cam generally improves low-RPM torque, while retarding it moves power to the higher-RPM range. This is a feature mostly used for tuning performance engines.
Can I replace the timing set myself?
This is a job for an experienced DIY mechanic. It requires removing the radiator, water pump, and harmonic balancer to access the timing cover. Special tools, like a puller for the balancer and crank sprocket, are needed. If you are not comfortable with this level of work, it is best left to a professional shop.
Technical Specifications
Fitment varies based on the specific engine in your Torino (e.g., 302, 351W, 351C, 429, 460). Key types include standard single-row roller chains with cast iron gears, and performance double-row roller chains with billet steel gears. Some performance kits offer multi-keyway crank sprockets for adjustable cam timing.
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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 Torino's Timing Chain on Borrowed Time?
- Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
- Good: Standard Replacement Sets
- Better: Heavy-Duty & True Roller Sets
- Best: Performance Double Roller Sets
- Estimated Costs for Timing Set Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions
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