[Dave R]

My 96 Cobra heads that were destroyed had the AD gear and the new 98 Cobra heads have BA on the timing gear. They both have 42 teeth and the backspacing looks the same. The CPS hump is in the same spot. I think I remember seeing something about the 98 and up timing stuff being different and want to know if I have to get other new components. Thanks all!!

 

[eschaider]

Same part different year of production, incremental change in p/n's. Use them interchangeably

 

[Dave R]

I thought so. I found the 98 and up difference. It's in the smaller gears for the cams. There is an integral keyway for the gears whereas the older style has the separate key. At least, that's what it says in my "How to build max-performance 4.6-liter Ford Engines" book. Thanks for the affirmation!

 

[eschaider]

Dave, the preferred sprockets for the secondary chains are the earlier ones with a separate key. They make cam phasing easier.

 

[Dave R]

I have the gears from my 96 heads. It broke both chains so I wasn't going to even consider trying to reuse the gears. I guess a whole new setup is in my future.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[eschaider]

The keyed OEM gears are no longer offered by Ford. The corner parts store gear selection usually has the key molded into the gear. You might try some of the aftermarket performance suppliers.

 

[Dave R]

Thanks!