dawg, the problem with the post-71 timing sets is that Ford indexed the crank gear retarded by up to 8* to comply with emissions requirements at the time.

I don't know what you're looking at on ebay so I don't know the manufacturer, the quality, if the crank gear is indexed advanced, retarded or straight up or whether it was manufactured offshore of inferior materials. What I do know is that if you pony up $100 for this Cloyes timing set from Summit, you'll get quality parts that will do the job properly for a long, long time. Part # CLO-9-3122
Product Line: Cloyes Original True Roller Timing Sets
Timing Chain Style: Double roller
Maximum Advance/Retard at Camshaft: 2 degree
Maximum Advance/Retard at Crankshaft: 4 degree
Cam Sprocket Material: Iron
Crank Sprocket Material: Billet steel
Quantity: Sold as a set.
Notes: With factory top dead center timing.

Timing Chain, Original True Roller, Steel/Iron Sprockets, Ford Big Block 385 Series, Set

Check to make sure this part fits your application
True rollerized timing from Cloyes.
Cloyes Original True Roller timing sets feature full roller-action Renold double-row roller chains, made from high-strength steel for superior durability. The cam sprockets are made from heat-treated cast or ductile iron, while the crank sprockets are machined from heat-treated, high-carbon steel for strength. With three keyways for adjustability (4 degrees advanced, 4 degrees retarded, and normal), each set is hand-matched to ensure precise chain tension.

If you are retaining the stock cam, install the crank gear 4* advanced. If you are using an aftermarket cam, they're usually advanced 4* by the grinder when he makes the cam, so install the crank gear straight up.

www.summitracing.com