Ford Engine Parts Ford 351C Cleveland Engine Parts Timing Chains

351 Cleveland Timing Chains & Gear Sets

Choosing the right timing chain set for your 351 Cleveland comes down to a few key factors — application, budget, material quality, long-term durability and brand. Whether you're rebuilding a standard 302 or 351 Cleveland, or stepping up to a 393 or 408 stroker, selecting the correct timing set plays a critical role in maintaining accurate cam timing, engine performance and reliability.

At Total Performance, we stock a wide range of 351 Cleveland timing chain gear sets to suit everything from street rebuilds through to performance and stroker engines. Every product we offer is backed by experienced engine builders on our sales team, helping you choose the right components with confidence.

▶ More Information, Specs & Common Questions

A worn or low-quality timing chain will stretch over time, causing timing drift, reduced power, inconsistent engine response — and in worst cases, failure.

Upgrading to a quality double row timing chain and billet gear set improves strength, reduces chain stretch and keeps valve timing stable under load. This becomes even more important in stroker Cleveland engines, where increased stroke and cylinder pressure demand greater accuracy and durability.

Many performance timing sets for Cleveland engines feature multi-keyway crank gears, allowing you to adjust cam timing during engine assembly. This gives you the ability to properly dial in your camshaft — an important step in any engine build, especially when multiple aftermarket components are involved.

Our range of 351 Cleveland timing chain gear sets suits everything from standard rebuilds through to street performance and stroker builds.

351 Cleveland Timing Chain Specifications

Suits Ford 302 Cleveland and 351 Cleveland engines
Suitable for 393 and 408 stroker builds
Double row timing chain design
Billet cam and crank gears
Multi-keyway crank sprocket
Adjustable cam timing capability
Improved timing accuracy and durability

Common Questions

What timing chain suits a 351 Cleveland?
There are many variables to choice and application. For flat tappet camshaft setups, we recommend a double row, cast gear setup for longevity, as the cast gears absorb and retain oil. For hydraulic roller setups, you can use a cast gear setup or a billet steel gear set. For solid roller cams, we recommend billet gear setups with an IWIS double row chain. For strokers, see below for more answers.

Does a stroker 393 or 408 Cleveland need a different timing gear set?
It depends on the crankshaft used. Cast SCAT stroker cranks typically use standard 351 Cleveland timing sets. However, forged SVO-style crankshafts often use a Windsor-style snout, which changes the spacing of the lower timing gear. These combinations require a specific SVO Cleveland timing set with a longer crank gear to maintain correct alignment.

Do I need a double roller timing chain?
Yes. A double roller chain reduces stretch, improves durability and maintains accurate cam timing under load.

What is a multi-keyway timing set?
A multi-keyway crank gear allows you to advance or retard cam timing. This lets you dial in your camshaft to match cam card specifications and compensate for machining tolerances in the engine.