Stock Cam Specs - 69 351w 4v ?

[1969_Mach1]

It looks like the correct size. But that is a cast iron gear which is incorrect for a hydraulic roller cam. Unless the cam mfg. has said otherwise.

Here are some steel distributor gears for a 351W. http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-...=Ascending

The Summit brand gear should be fine. I have used both Summit's brand and MSD. Visually the MSD gear appears to be much better quality.

** I'd avoid a distributor gear made by Mallory or now I believe MSD owns Mallory which is the cheaper priced MSD gear. The reason is the Mallory gear has a large 3/16" diameter roll pin hole in it and the stock gear and other aftermarket gears use a smaller 1/8" diameter roll pin. I found out the hard way and returned a Mallory gear because I didn't want to drill a large hole in my distributor shaft.

FYI: On a 351W, the portion of the distributor shaft the gear presses onto is 0.531" diameter. You might sometimes see it listed as 0.530" diameter.

Well . . . what cam are you considering?

Regards,
Mike

[rindel]

i bought the hydraulic flat tapped and not roller. Just ordered it today from advance auto parts as a kit and also ordered the gear that was on the link. Since its hydraulic flat tapped then cast iron should be fine, no?

[1969_Mach1]

Yeah, that gear should be fine. Unless your stock gear is worn it should be okay as well.

Do you prefer not to order from places like Summit Racing or Jegs? I'd think they have better pricing and selection than Advanced Auto Parts. Plus they have great return policies if you change your mind on anything. Just ship it back. You don't have to explain to somebody why you changed your mind, or whatever the reason. I rarely go to a local retail parts store when I want parts for my Mach 1. It's been at least a few years.

To help protect the cam during initial break in I'd suggest using a break in oil like one of these. http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-...=Ascending

Then after that, definitely something with high ZDDP content like a Valvoline Racing Oil.

Regards,
Mike

[Mustangmike]

Do you prefer not to order from places like Summit Racing or Jegs? I'd think they have better pricing and selection than Advanced Auto Parts. Plus they have great return policies if you change your mind on anything. Just ship it back. You don't have to explain to somebody why you changed your mind, or whatever the reason.

+1 on Summit's return policy!

[rindel]

i like advance because i get speed perks. they were lower in price by $20, plus an additional 50$ off for ordering online and I added a speekperk award for an additional $20. Cant beat that.

[Mustangmike]

No argument from me in regards to Advance Auto's Speed Perk program. They do offer some generous savings coupons and I often go there too. Plus you have the convenience of not having to wait for shipping.

However, if you are looking for specialty parts Summit Racing does have a good return policy (and so does Advance) and competitive pricing. I ended up saving about $300 on my Magnum 500 wheel package from Summit over the other Mustang part houses. So it pays to shop around for pricing.

[rindel]

Is this the proper way to break in a cam?

* use cam lube before putting cam in engine
* after installation, rev engine between 2000 - 2500 for half hour
* change oil after 200 miles

- what type of oil should i use right after cam installation?

[Dave R.]

Is this the proper way to break in a cam?

* use cam lube before putting cam in engine
* after installation, rev engine between 2000 - 2500 for half hour
* change oil after 200 miles

- what type of oil should i use right after cam installation?

Interesting thread. Your cam maker should have included very specific break-in instructions with the cam. Follow those to the letter. As stated above, those steps seem to be reasonable. I changed the oil after break-in and then about 200 miles later. Better safe than sorry. With my Comp Cams camshaft I am even using their Hot Rod and Muscle Car oil. It is designed for cars that are driven only occasionally. Good luck. Dave R.

http://www.compcams.com/Products/CC-'Lubricants'-1.aspx

[Mustangmike]

Make sure you get the oil flowing first by priming the engine before starting it. This is done by turning the oil pump with a drill until you see the oil coming up to the rocker arms.

I also use an Zinc additive with all my oil changes and as Dave R. already suggested follow the manufacturers recommendations for installation and break in.

[rindel]

Mike remember this is all new to me. How do I prime the oil pump? I see I can buy a tool for the distributor so any links you can recommend so i can buy the tool would help.