questions about my 1977 f250

1977 f250 supercab, not4x4, 460,c6, stock everything,never rebuilt. Im switching over to an aftermarket aluminum intake "edelbrock performer rpm". I figured that while i got the intake off why not change out the smog retarded timing set up for a pre 72 timing set up. And better yet, if im going to do that, why not put a little beefier CAM in their just for the hell of it ya know, somthing like a CRANE POWERMAX 216/228. My questions are,
First- I want to get the timing set from an aftermarket performance auto store. If i purchase a complete timing set up for a 1970 460 block, will it be a direct replacement on my 1977 460 block? Or will i need to do some modifications?
Second question- Being as though my engine has never been rebuilt, is it a BAD idea to put in a little beefier cam such as the one i have mentioned? What problems might arrise due to the engine being older and unrebuilt having a new cam of this size? Do i just change the CAM out, or do i need to deal with other aspects of the engine to make this cam change work?
Im looking to get better response, and torque---NOT HP. THe only reson im changing out the intake is because i have a new edelbrock squarebore carb, sitting on my old spreadbore intake with missing EGR spacer, which makes for a huge vaccume leak. So i just figured id match the squrebore carb to a squarebore intake rather then hoppin form junkyard to junkyard finding worn out smog parts that i hate anyways.
Im just wanting my 460 to realize a little more of its power potential! thanks for any suggestions

The timing set will work, no problems there. Installing a new cam in an old engine is a 50-50 thing, especially if you don't rework the heads. Good thing you dumpes the intake, the bolt pattern is 4150 Holley, but as you saw it's a spreadbore carb.... adapter, $50. BTW, those old trucks are almost indestructable, watch out for rust in the bed & cab supports.
[addsig]

Sounds like a nice combo for a truck. Bump up the timing a bit from stock settings too, I'd say about 12 initial. That combo should really wake it up.

The old style timing set should be a noticeable improvement, the later models were retarded which shifts the torque curve up. The earlier gears, with that MUCH better manifold, should make it run real well. Only thing better would be headers, but it'll still run strong as is.

Ya, i bought the adapter plate. Cost $50.00, and with no EGR spacer, the adapter does no good at all. That FUNKY weird Intake pattern that the EGR Spacer sits on is what the problem is. With out the EGR Spacer their is no way any carb or adapter would work without a huge vacuume leak. STUPID SMOG DEVILS!![img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img] Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! But anyways,,,
Thanks, for all the replies on my thoughts..
Guess ill have to do without a cam upgrade untill i get the motor rebuilt. I wouldnt want to have a 50/50 chance of destroying a perfectly good stock engine just for a little more power.
I will do the intake, and timming set change over though.
Hey, is it possible to get the Intake manifold off and on without removing the distributor?? I know they are heavy, and matching them back on with the new gaskets is a real pain in the ash, but is that the only reason one would remove the distributor on a 460 block? (easier access)? thanks!