Thread: Timing chain: Chain stretch due to out sourced or imported parts

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Can anyone suggest a good company for buying a timing chain for big block chevy? With all of the failures I'm seeing with an Internet search I'm a little gun shy. The alternative would be to buy a good belt driven timing setup but I plan to sell the motor if I find and repair any problems. So that's not an option. I'm getting rid of the gear drive. It's 'driving' me crazy.

David

And did GM make a double roller timing set? I'm not finding any or I'd just go with GM for quality.

David

I still use Cloyes when I need a chain and gears...far as I know they're still US made.

Most aftermarket chains seem to be Cloyes and all I've seen still say Made In USA - even the Summit house brand are just repackaged Cloyes.

Not sure what the difference is, some say Tru Roller, others are just double link chains according to the info and advertising.


PS - just looked at a new $$ Comp Cams brand timing set - gears made in The US, the chain is a Rolon, made in India. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

I have a used Cloyes stashed somewhere and may have to look at that one too and add my .02 on that one as well

Thanks guys. I'll place an order. Since I plan to sell this I didn't want to put a known possible failure in it. About to pull the pan today and see if my problem is a wrist pin....or the gear drive could be what I'm hearing. Or bad pump....even though I have good oil pressure. If its something easily fixed, I'll fix it and keep the motor in the car so any possible motor buyer can drive it and see the motor run. I cant believe how many people still have interest in the 396. Mostly OEM crowd.

David

I agree with above, but don't forget Rollmaster (it's pretty good too)-

GM used double roller chains on all heavy duty truck engines.

all truck gm timming set are not true rollers seamed link cheap P.O.S but they work on mild stuff but i use better in all my builds . i use steel gear sets egine pro or pbm brands were i used them on engines with seat 260+ and open 1000+ never lost a chain.. Roller master is good i am dealer for them as well . there ok iwis chains are some of the best chains on any ones gears sets .Cloyes is not that hot any more over priced same iron gear sets in most set made in the usa for less money i did the test many years ago with five sets and same gear sets same chains ..not the same price ..... stay away from th hex just cloyes every one has levels of quality most any thing out there for low spring lbs like you have will work . if the chains is loose off the bat the block s been lined bored they make set in STD .005 and .010

Originally Posted by IC2

Most aftermarket chains seem to be Cloyes and all I've seen still say Made In USA - even the Summit house brand are just repackaged Cloyes.

Not sure what the difference is, some say Tru Roller, others are just double link chains according to the info and advertising.


PS - just looked at a new $$ Comp Cams brand timing set - gears made in The US, the chain is a Rolon, made in India. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

I have a used Cloyes stashed somewhere and may have to look at that one too and add my .02 on that one as well

well the roller master is not made in the Usa or the chains . i used many many sets of them Rolon chains over the years we did things to them some only dream of there far from junk . as some may think Cloyes use Renolds chains ..? that.s ROLON / RENOLDS

Thanks everyone. I haven't ordered yet. Heck, I never got to leave the house. Lisa informed me it was time to do a little spring cleaning.

Thanks,
David

Oh bugger. I couldn't drop the pan with the motor in the car. Even took mounts loose and raised motor to the point I was raising the body of the car. Transmission was hitting tunnel of coarse. LOLs. Have you ever tried to put a new gasket on one of these with the motor still in the car and pan won't drop. Let me tell you.....no fun at all. Anyway, while under there I find that I allowed myself to be duped. It is not a 396 4 bolt main. It's a 454 2 bolt main. Guess I should've ran the block numbers, even though it was 4 n the morning. My fault. Got the new pan gasket installed and no leaks. Installed 20w50 and my oil pressure is much better at idle. Now never drops below 40psi even at temperature. Whatever is wrong with motor will just have be taken care of when I have time to pull it.

David

Originally Posted by Stovebolter

Oh bugger. I couldn't drop the pan with the motor in the car. Even took mounts loose and raised motor to the point I was raising the body of the car. Transmission was hitting tunnel of coarse. LOLs. Have you ever tried to put a new gasket on one of these with the motor still in the car and pan won't drop. Let me tell you.....no fun at all. Anyway, while under there I find that I allowed myself to be duped. It is not a 396 4 bolt main. It's a 454 2 bolt main. Guess I should've ran the block numbers, even though it was 4 n the morning. My fault. Got the new pan gasket installed and no leaks. Installed 20w50 and my oil pressure is much better at idle. Now never drops below 40psi even at temperature. Whatever is wrong with motor will just have be taken care of when I have time to pull it.

David

i use to have to re gasket oil pans in boats that was fun but there was some super gasket glue we used that helped that was before you could buy a one pc pan gasket . used the same glue at the body shop for oil pans jobs OMC type M was worth it,s weight in gold