Projects Gear Drive?

Building a 30 model a sedan, with a 1959 theme. Due to low funds my y-block wont be this year. I have a SBC ready to got but its got a Pete Jackson gear drive. too loud for a open engine or not really period correct ?

Bill

 

Yeah, they are pretty loud. If it were mine, I'd just get a nice new timing set, and sell the gear drive.

 

I've got a buddy who used to have a gear drive in his sedan delivery and on the freeway meeting him you could actually hear the gear drive and know it was him before you saw him coming the other way. He loved it but I wouldn't have wanted to drive the thing across town. I'd vote for the high quality timing set too.

 

Chunk it in the can....

 

Make a show trophy out of it.

 

I had one in a 69 camaro, it was fun for 20 minutes and then I wanted it gone. Go with the chain.

 

yes , get rid of it and use a quality chain/gears

 

Ill 2nd and third the motion that there cool for 20 minutes. Annoying forever after that.

 

This reminds me of a classic car show moment. My buddy and I are checking things out when a 55 highboy gasser style rig cruises by. Behind us is "Mr. car show expert" spouting off to his girl friend about all things automotive, when they see the 55 driving by the girl asks," what's that noise coming from that car?" Replying, "Oh that's a gear drive, and check it out he has a blower too." Needless to say we both blew snot in our hands after hearing that one.

 

Have had my Gear Drive in for 5 years now and I still love it but I'm
and old man and maybe I can't hear that well now !!!!! LOL.
Tom (Tired Old Man)

 

I would run a Cloyes True Roller timing set. Those are the best IMO, never let me down.

 

they sound good to some and some dont like do what you think you like

 

Studebakers have gear drives standard. What's the problem with SBC's?

I think the Stude ones are a resin and not metal though so maybe that is why they did it to keep the noise down. Always wondered why and now I might know. Maybe SBC tech. will catch up to Studes one day.

 

They*****! Change it out.

 

Got a Pete Jackson in my plymouth and I like it........its a noisy one but I cant hardly hear it for the open headers!!!!!!!!!!

 

Nicely said R_ _ R_ _ _ R 34 Love your truck. Saw it at Beatersville last summer. Tom (Tired Old Man)

 

Me too Hank must be for us Old Hard of Hearing Guys

 

do what makes you happy . i have had a couple of them. never any trouble and have one now in my 32 and like it

 

Thanks TOM........luv the Beatersville show. What were you in? Must be something about the gear drives and Ky rodders

 

I got one in my truck and like it. but thats me nothing like the wine of a gear drive. either you like it or hate it......

 

I hear gear drives are ruff on blocks. Any truth to that?

 

they are rough on the rod,main and cam bearings,even the summers bros single ideler unit !but sprint car racers love em ! couldnt keep them on the shelf at summers !

 

If I want to hear a high-pitched whine, I can just take my ex for a ride.

 

What to many back door deals Frank ?

 

They rob horsepower too. I talked with an engine builder that used to run Pro Stock up through the '80s, and he said it cost 23hp on his SBC on the dyno.

-Brad

 

They*****....

 

I have never had a timing chain fail, but I have had a PJ gear drive on 351C break its idler gear****embly on the I5, not far North of Bakersfield, on the way back to Oak-Town.

 

Thanks for all the replys. Built this engine 20 years ago and had it in a 64 chev shortbox step side. mixed feelings about it. like every one said cool for 20 minutes, Non auto geeks just though it was something broken,Bad power steering pump!!! I heard several times

My wife always said "you paid money to make it sound like that" Rumpity cam & gear drive. Some times{all the time} she doesnt understand the male mind.

Thanks Bill