Timing Chain

BirdShepherd · Post by **BirdShepherd** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 7:45 am

With my daily driver 302-2v powered 1979 T-Bird now passed the 350,000 mile mark, I was wondering how long the current timing chain might last. I changed out the original nylon unit at about 150,000 miles and replaced with a NAPA steel version. So, the replacement has exceeded the factory unit.
How about your Bird? Do the chains in the 351W or 351M do better or worse?
Which brand did you use?

Joe Karasinski · Post by **Joe Karasinski** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 4:50 pm

I had a 302 LTDII years ago that ate the chain one morning. I don't remember how many miles it had on it at the time but I don't think it was even close 100,000. smae as you though, nylon gears and the replacment has all steel. car got wrecked and totalled not too long after that so who knows how long it would have lasted.

My 302 had all kinds of oil leaks too and the C4 trans couldn't stand up to my teenage driving skills either. But my T-birds have had 351w's with FMX transmissions and never really given me any trouble. But I do treat cars a lot better now that I've grown up. LOL

BirdShepherd · Post by **BirdShepherd** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:26 pm

My 302 is mated to an FMX Shortcase; currently has 'morning sickness.' On cold mornings, it won't shift until it warms up; then it is good for the day. Needs replacement or rebuild or re-softening the seals. Thinking about using one of Ford's AOD tranny for better road mileage and lower RPM's at 70 mph. I use non-ethanol gas, 89 octane; pricey.

Alan H. Tast · Post by **Alan H. Tast** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:36 pm

Standing rule I have with a small-block Ford: At 77,000-mile intervals, change the timing gear/chain. Had a first-generation 260 lose timing when it hit 78,000 miles, and several friends that had the same experience with 289s and 302s.