Classic/Antique Car Repair: worn timming chain, pulley bolt, cubic inch engine

Question
I have a 1976 Ford with a 360 cubic inch engine.Can a worn or stretched timming chain cause the engine to miss and stumble when cruising at a fixed throttle position. It starts and idles fine it also accelerates ok. I have replaced the complete fuel and ignition systems and it still does the same thing. Thanks

Answer
It might. The best simple test for a timing chain is to remove the distributor cap. With a socket on the front pulley bolt turn the engine in one direction until the rotor moves. The mark the front pulley with a reference mark to the engine. Then turn slowly the pulley in the opposite direction until the rotor just moves. Look at your deference marks and if the pulley has turned more that 1/2 inch the timing chain is stretched and should be replaced.
Brad