So I've read a lot about dynamic timing and running the M&H spacer and stuff. I was thinking about shaving the piston to achieve the same goal without spending money. (the wife doesn't get excited about spending money on the truck like I do). I thought you could pull the piston without tearing the pump apart. But looking at diagrams and pictures I'm not sure it's possible. I did a complete reseal a few months back and I cant remember what the dang thing looked like. So here's my questions:

1. Can the piston be pulled without tearing the pump apart?

2. Or can I just pull the thicker shim out?

3. Or what about the lighter spring?

Thanks.

 

Pump has to come apart to pull the piston out. You could pull the KSB and run a thinner shim if you'd like. A lighter spring won't do anything for travel but will only modify the timing curve allowing for an earlier advance. For the work and cost invovled, the M&H Timing Spacer isn't a bad deal. I ran one on my original VE. Gives the equivalent of an 1/8" timing bump but you keep the static timing which gets you the low-end the VE's are known for.

 

The timing spacer will give you more timing than just removing a shim. The old days they would shave 4mm off the piston, that's about .160". When you do the timing spacer, it also "lightens" the spring tension. If your spring is already weak, it can give you fits. (personal experience)