I have to make a decision pretty soon on a timing chain for my 331 Chrysler. What do you guys prefer? I guess the options would be... 1) Stock multi-link Mopar chain 2) Double roller Maybe we could take this a step further as well... 3) Timing gear set 4) Timing belt (can't remember who I saw running one) I've read good things about just the stock multi-link style chain. I actually have one right now that is probably fine to clean up and run, but now is the time to change it if I'm going to change it. Which leads me to my NEXT question... How much play should these chains have (or NOT have)? Since we're on the subject, we may as well talk about when and where each type should be used. Example: timing gear sets seem to be more popular in racing applications. There's a couple people that I could have just called or PM'd and asked, but I thought this would be a good discussion to add to the HEMI Tech stuff. So let's hear what you guys have to say...
Keep us posted! Which one did you actually get? Gary, what is the max slop for a timing chain? I think I measured mine out to about 1/2" total, give or take and 1/8". Looks new too.
Right now I plan to run the stock style chain drive that I got with the engine + a pile of parts. Its still new in the box - box looks 20 years old so maybe it was made in the US. On the other hand - for $129 I am considering trying to run this one: http://preview.tinyurl.com/buuyqz I have a 330 Desoto. My understanding is the oil galley holes are blocked off by the cam retaining plate, so some fab may be required. My main worry here is having a gear drive fail 500 miles from home. Also I don't know if a gear drive will fit under the stock timing cover. Cheap = stock chain, stock cover. Need to draw a line somewhere.
Sounds about right for one with a few hours on it. The stock link belt is designed to last forever...the roller chains are designed to absorb less power. Both will stretch, but I have never had a broken chain. Cam timing will be affected only when the chain is really bad. .
Don't know about DeSoto but one fits under a '55 Chr w/o any problems. they need a spacer between the gear & cam or it locks on the block when tightened up on the Chr & probably the rest. I've read that gear drives on anything short of a real perfornamce engine will result in a loss of power from parasitic drag of the gears vs the theoretical gains from better timing accuracy.
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