TIMING CHAIN or GEAR DRIVE?

[monte olrac]

I've used both, the gear drive by far if you want accurate timing at all times, but a good double roller works well, so the choice is yours, they make quiet gear drives too, so the loud factor goes down, if you go double roller don't get a cheap $20 one.

 

[megaladon6]

there is some slack in the chain, but very little. you measure the chain slack by turning the crank clockwise to tension the chain, then measure how many degrees you can rotate it counter clock before the distributor starts moving. i think it's supposed to be less than 6*

 

[Phoenyx]

I like gear drives myself. I plan to put one in my Malibu next year. I have a few buddies that have had gear drives before. In a stock to mild street engine they should last forever. But just remember, that sound does too. A lot of people think it sounds cool, and put them in their cars. But then 2 months later they can't wait to rip that thing out of their car because of the noise. So try to find someone that has one in their car, and ask if they will take you for a cruise in it. That way you know what you're in for. And also two other things to think about. You are gonna hear this thing over your stereo at all times (unless you have a major sound system installed). And highway trips, at highway speeds these things really scream.

And like I said about lots of people buying them and not liking them. Here's something to think about before buying one. $200-$300 new, $50-$100 used. Try to find a used one, that way if you're not happy with it, you don't waste as much money.

 

[dan2286]

well i took off my timing cover and looked at my setup and it didnt look my chain was tight at all. is supposed to be tight? i could wiggle it from left to right some.

If you have a 307, it is because of the nylon timing gears. They were made to be quiet and they really don't last long at all. Depends on how much it moves though.