Edelbrock 7880 user manual

VICTOR-LINK TIMING CHAIN AND GEARS

For Small Block Chevrolet Engines

Catalog #7880

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

• PLEASEstudy these instructions, and the General Instructions, carefully before installing your new timing chain. If you have any questions
or problems, do not hesitate to call our Technical Hotline at: 1-800-416-8628, or to e-mail us at: [e-mail].

• DESCRIPTION: True Rolling timing chain and gear sets are products of quality material and workmanship. They offer the ultimate in
durability, performance, and low friction operation.

NOTE: For timing chain and gear installation, we suggest that you check the manufacturer’s service manual or Motors, Chilton’s or Mitchell
manuals for correct installation procedure pertaining to your type, year, and model vehicle. The main cause of timing chain and camshaft
installation problems is failure to apply the proper torque to the camshaft sprocket bolts. The correct torque value is given in the service
manual, and we highly recommend the use of a thread-locking compound such as Loc-Tite™ or equivalent.

• TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR KEYWAYS:
The Edelbrock crankshaft sprocket is manufactured with nine
keyways. Each keyway is marked with a symbol indicating a
standard straight-up (0), advanced (A2, A4, etc), or retarded (R2,
R4, etc.) camshaft position. (See Figures 1 through 3, showing
typical installed positions). In many cases, being able to retard or
advance the camshaft enables you to be more exact when
installing the camshaft for a specific application. Advancing or
retarding the camshaft can shift the power range to a lower or
higher RPM. Advancing the camshaft will usually move the torque
curve to a lower RPM, while retarding the camshaft will usually
move the torque curve to a higher RPM. For persons not familiar
with camshaft function, we suggest the standard “straight-up”
installation position.

NOTE: When the timing marks on the cam sprocket and crank
sprocket are aligned, the keyway of the crankshaft sprocket will
be at about the 2:00 o’clock position. Therefore, to install the
camshaft “straight up” (0°), install the crankshaft sprocket using
the “0” keyway, then align the “0” timing mark on the crankshaft
sprocket with the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket. Use the
same procedure regardless of the timing position you choose.
The corresponding timing mark will always be about 3 sprocket
teeth counterclockwise from the keyway.

• CAUTION:

• Victor-Link roller chain sets are engineered to operate up to
8500 RPM.

• Never hammer directly on the chain or sprockets. You can
crack the hardened links and pins, causing early failures.

• USE A SLEEVE for installations that require hammering,
such as driving the crankshaft sprocket onto the crankshaft
snout. A brass drift punch may be used if you carefully
alternate blows on either side of the sprocket to avoid
cocking.

• Check for clearance between the timing chain and engine
block, as well as between the timing chain and front cover
before reassembly.

• Be sure that both cam and crank sprockets are exactly in
line. Misalignment can result in chain failure.

• SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
On some late model engine blocks, it will be necessary to check
clearance behind the cam sprocket (with the chain on the
sprocket) and engine block at the 12 o’clock position. (See photo
below). Make sure that the chain clears oil galley bosses on the
block with the chain and sprocket in the rearward most position.
Grind or machine block for clearance if necessary. Clean block
thoroughly before assembly.

Catalog #7880
Rev. 4/05 - RS/mc

©2005 Edelbrock Corporation

Brochure #63-0389Page 1 of 2

• TIMING MARK ALIGNMENT:
NOTE: Alignment of the timing marks as shown below does not
always indicate Top Dead Center (TDC) of the number 1 cylinder
on the compression stroke. Chevrolet engines will be at TDC of
the number 1 cylinder on the exhaust stroke and the crankshaft
will have to be rotated one full turn before the distributor can be
installed and timed. If you are installing a new camshaft, the
crankshaft will have to be rotated already to adjust the lifter
preload for all cylinders. TDC of the number 1 cylinder
(compression) can be determined by observing that both intake
and exhaust valves are closed. Or, with the spark plugs removed,
by feeling compression buildup with your thumb plugging the
spark plug hole as you rotate the crankshaft towards TDC. TDC
will be indicated by the timing marks on the harmonic balancer.

1. Keyway marked with 0 (zero) is for standard “straight-up”

timing.

2. Keyways marked with A2, A4, A6, or A8 are to advance cam

timing by the number of degrees indicated.

3. Keyways marked with R2,R4, R6, or R8 are to retard cam

timing by the number of degrees indicated.

TIMING MARKS

Line Indicates Proper

Timing Mark Alignment

(See Arrows)

NOTE: It is advisable to use a ruler or other straight-edge to help

determine that the timing marks are properly lined up on the centerline
between the crankshaft and camshaft. “Eyeballing” it can lead to
serious timing errors and possible timing set and/or engine damage.

Catalog #7880
Rev. 4/05 - RS/mc

FIGURE 1
Standard

FIGURE 2

4° Advance

Figures 1, 2, & 3 are typical of Chevrolet timing mark alignment.

Edelbrock Corporation • 2700 California St. • Torrance, CA 90503

Tech-Line: [phone] • E-Mail: [e-mail]

©2005 Edelbrock Corporation

FIGURE 1

4° Retard

Brochure #63-0389Page 2 of 2