390 Lacking Power

[court1100f]

I think that it would be best to replace the oem style timing set with the summit one and install it at 0 degrees.

Before I tried advancing or retarding the cam I would definitely try all the simple stuff. When you change the cam timing you should check the piston to valve clearance (if it has stock pistons I'm sure it will be fine, but check) at least hand rotate the engine to be sure that there is no contact.

Ideally the cam should be degreed as the chain set of the cam itself could be ground a bit off spec.

what he said you tried the basic stuff and got it running better now try the degreeing the cam in and if I'm understanding him correctly just by virtue of installing the summit timing chain set you'd only need to change how it's keyed simplifying the process

[DuckRyder]

and if I'm understanding him correctly just by virtue of installing the summit timing chain set you'd only need to change how it's keyed simplifying the process

Yes, many stock replacement timing sets are keyed to retard the cam as was stock starting in about 71-72 for emissions reasons. You don't want that. Also lets face it, the precison in an 11.00 chinese timing set is open to debate and the Summit one is likely to be better quality and more acurately manufactured.

It won't eliminate the need to check the degreeing, but it will decrease the likely hood that you will have to change the degreeing. If that makes any sense...

[DGrant09]

and if I'm understanding him correctly just by virtue of installing the summit timing chain set you'd only need to change how it's keyed simplifying the process

Yes, many stock replacement timing sets are keyed to retard the cam as was stock starting in about 71-72 for emissions reasons. You don't want that. Also lets face it, the precison in an 11.00 chinese timing set is open to debate and the Summit one is likely to be better quality and more acurately manufactured.

It won't eliminate the need to check the degreeing, but it will decrease the likely hood that you will have to change the degreeing. If that makes any sense...

That makes good sense and Thanks! The Summit chain /gears is in our household items and we'll probably not see it until we are able to move back into the house.. I started a rear brake job Sunday and once that's wrapped up I'll try the timing at 10-12 degrees as mentioned above and see how it does.. The brake job started as just a look to see what was needed. Then I learned about the differential fluid lubing the hubs combined with the condition of the rear brakes, it was over due!! At least it was easy to remove the axles. I was a bit worried about snapping bolts and what not, but she came apart pretty easily..