Timing chain vs. Timing Gear?

Jester4736w · May 13, 2005

I resently purchased a timing GEAR setup for my 84 z28 and doing a cam swap as we speak. I have the gear set and everything is ready for install as far as the gear goes, but at the last minute i heard an ugly rumor that they are no good. Does anyone know anything bout this? If so, please any comments or suggestions that you have would be great.

I heard that the gears can bined (sp?) and cause major damage? Anything you guys know about these gears compared to chains please let me know. Anyone have them in there car or truck?

Thx all in advance!

Friz · May 13, 2005

If gears were "no good" then top drag cars wouldn't run them. Gears are more accurate because there is no chain stretch.

They do take a little more power to run and they are noisy. For a street car, there is just no need to run them. I think you'd do just as well with a good double roller timing chain.

You will hear that gear noise.

May 15, 2005

Are you talking about a gear drive setup in place of the timing chain? IMO, gear drives are more accurate because they eliminate the chain which can stretch a bit over time. I had one in my 383 stroker in my S-10 and in addition to the above mentioned benefit, it had an awesome whine to it. It sounded sweet!

WEFs99 · May 25, 2005

Forgive my ignorance but how can you replace a chain drive with gears? Are you using a "backwards" cam?

May 25, 2005

A gear drive is a system that uses gears to eliminate the chain. It consists of either three or four gears. One gear each for the cam and drive with either one or two idler gears. I can see your point and it's a good question. The idler gears prevent the drive and cam gear from meshing so you don't have a "backwards" cam.

WEFs99 · May 25, 2005

Thanks

16gaSxS · May 27, 2005

Some of the guys with 6.5TD have swapped to the gear setup and they have been happy with them. In fact over at The Diesel Page their 6.5TD "project" truck now has over 160,000 miles with a gear set an no problems and the truck is still running strong.

May 27, 2005

Some of the guys with 6.5TD have swapped to the gear setup and they have been happy with them. In fact over at The Diesel Page their 6.5TD "project" truck now has over 160,000 miles with a gear set an no problems and the truck is still running strong.

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So there aren't any problems with the gear drive affecting the knock sensor or any other sensors?

Jester4736w · May 28, 2005

Thanx guys, i ended up going with the chain, just because i didnt wanna take the chance of changing something that has been workin for awhile, maybe ill try it next time.