What is the secret to fitting an EDELBROCK #7808 behind an early 352 (1958) timing cover? I understand the need to go with the parts to change the cam gear over to the later style but is there also a replacement cover that will allow fitment? I understand CLOYES offers a unit that will fit.
Also, was the early 1958 352 assembled with solids only or was the 332 included also?
Kultulz,
Sorry I cannot provide definitive answers, but while you are here, a number of us have noticed, what happened to the MEL site? It comes up jibberish now and it is a great site as you know. Any ideas?
The site is managed by a gentleman in Germany, his first name Theo. I came across him when I first started researching MEL. A few years ago, I asked if I could take the forum to a new format as you know, the present format sucks to put it mildly. I was also planning to put MEL Tech on it to help all those that had them but had difficulty understanding them due to general lack of information.
He said he was going to begin a new format and actually sent me a test forum. He also stated that his health was poor. When it went down, I E-Mailed him at both addys I had for him but have received no response. HAWKROD is also a moderator there and maybe he has heard something.
I began researching MEL some years ago and have retained most I have learned. It seemed that at first just a few understood it and weren't willing to share. It took awhile, but I finally got a good understanding of it. Now I wish I had worked at LINC-MERC dealers instead of FORD. There is a whole lot of neat stuff that has taken place there.
the only problem i ever had on my 58 fe was the crank gear, years ago when i was still running my 332 i could not get a double roller timing set because of the way the end of the crank was made. if i remember right the old 332 crank has less of radius from the front main to the snout where the crank gear goes. when i installed the newer timing chain the gear went on the crank farther because of the small radius, you could actually see the timing chain lean in at the bottom when installed. i do not believe you can run the newer cam retainer without changing the cam, the old cam with the button in the timing cover has a flange made on it to keep it from going into the motor. you can remove the button from the old style cover and reuse it on the newer style set-up. i have had 352 and 332 motors with adjustable rockers.
i am not sure what the isky spacer is for but i am sure the double roller chain is thicker than the stock one, i assumed the timing cover would work but as stated earlier i had issues with the crank gear on my 58 and had to install a OEM timing chain. if everything looks good otherwise install a newer aluminum timing cover. be sure to check the crank gear, if you lay both crank gears side by side you can compare the bevel that faces the block, my original 58 crank gear had about half the bevel as the new double roller gear had.
"i am not sure what the isky spacer is for but i am sure the double roller chain is thicker than the stock one, i assumed the timing cover would work but as stated earlier i had issues with the crank gear on my 58 and had to install a OEM timing chain. if everything looks good otherwise install a newer aluminum timing cover. be sure to check the crank gear, if you lay both crank gears side by side you can compare the bevel that faces the block, my original 58 crank gear had about half the bevel as the new double roller gear had."
OK...I understand now what you are saying about the crank gears.
The ISKY Spacer Kit (350-AW) is supposedly the upgrade kit (cam retainer) to be able to use a 64/ cam in an earlier block. I guess the OEM parts to do the upgrade are no longer available.
I was thinking too that a stock chain would have to be used but why would EDELBROCK market and advertise a double-roller if it won't fit? I wonder if there was a later timing cover that allowed a little more room?
Thanx anyways. You have been helpful and it is appreciated. Some early FE seems as mysterious as MEL.
i assume the newer aluminum timing cover should make it all work for you, i have never had a clearance issue with any timing chain OEMor double roller when using the aluminum cover.
