timing chain vs timing gear drive

BrownPSU78 · Dec 21, 2005

so i am building a 393\408 stroker I am making a parts list...I have seen the gear type timing mechnasisms and the timing chains...The (not so)cheap gear drive from summit is "noisy" and 175 dollars....the cheap timing chain set is like 28 bucks with the summit model at 70 dollars...Now the gear drive has a total of 7 degrees of adjustability I think, I assume is a lot stronger, and gives the "classic gear whine"....My question is what is the difference in application use...I saw this a while ago and always thought it was kinda cool...but is it worth it?What are the Real benefits? and what exactly does this "whine" sound like ?
--Brown

Route666 · Dec 21, 2005

I've never really heard it (in person anyway) but I'd say imagine a worn out second gear on deceleration (you know the kind of whine) but perhaps quieter and attached to engine rpm, not vehicle speed.

I like the whine, but extra noises, especially whines can be seen as worn out noises, and it isn't necessary unless you're racing fulltime.

I've always thought the advantages of them is that they will handle higher rpms, but the ones I have seen advertised usually say that they are not for over 7krpm.

They're apparently more sturdy, but how frequent are timing chain failures?

I wouldn't like to say which one is more efficient, because the gears are bigger, but the chain has mass not only going in circles, but following the chain path, not to mention all the joints in the links. If you're after efficiency though, go for a dry belt setup.

Gear drives apparently don't go together with knock sensing fuel injection equipment, as it can give a false reading, by the teeth meshing I assume.

I'd say the general consensus is that gear drives aren't worth the effort unless the engine spends 50% or more of its time at high rpms.

jes72mustang · Dec 21, 2005

A friend of Mine has a gear drive set-up in his Pick-up and My F-I-L is installing gears in his Small block S-10. The sounds can be mistaken for a supercharger. It really is a neat sound. I have been contemplating going with gears on my stang as well. Look forward to reading other opinions.

LMan · Dec 21, 2005

Gear drives are noisy. I personally would not want my engine whining like a blower if I did not have a blower to back it up, but others feel differently, I am sure.

At anything up to hardcore racing RPMs, you are paying extra for the whine alone. A good-quality double-roller tming chain set is all but foolproof.

rbohm · Dec 21, 2005

LMan said:
Gear drives are noisy. I personally would not want my engine whining like a blower if I did not have a blower to back it up, but others feel differently, I am sure.

At anything up to hardcore racing RPMs, you are paying extra for the whine alone. A good-quality double-roller tming chain set is all but foolproof.

:Teh-Win:

i also prefer using a good roller chain to gears.

thehueypilot · Dec 21, 2005

My 4 X 4 has an all gear transfer case and if I took you for a ride in it around the block you would understand better why they went to chain drives. ITS LOUD!

iskwezm · Dec 21, 2005

A Ford gear drive is A LOT different then a chevy,so dont be confused if you think a Ford will sound the same,due to its cast timing cover,it gets muffled a lot.I have a Pete Jackson "noisy" in mine and it not "that" loud.It sounds nothing like a "worn out" part as people have said.My buddy has a Pete Jackson "quiet" which uses angle cut gears and his is BARELY louder then a belt whine.I personally like it and everybody that hears it likes it.I will say that a Chevy "noisy" can be hearda few blocks away.

BrownPSU78 · Dec 21, 2005

So for me there is no reason for it unless I want to spend for sound...why did your buddy decide to get one and go with the "quiet" kind...hey ISKQEZM do you think you could take a sound clip of the whine by chance?? thatd be sweet..if not its cool...thank you
--Brown

iskwezm · Dec 21, 2005

BrownPSU78 said:
So for me there is no reason for it unless I want to spend for sound...why did your buddy decide to get one and go with the "quiet" kind...hey ISKQEZM do you think you could take a sound clip of the whine by chance?? thatd be sweet..if not its cool...thank you
--Brown

he thought the "noisy" would be too loud,he was actually dissapointed in the quiet.

If i knew how to put up a sound clip i wouldamnit:

10secgoal · Dec 21, 2005

They are nice in the fact that they do hold the cam timing longer than a chain. A chain will stretch over time throwing off the cam timing. But more than likely the chain will out live your motor anyways.

BrownPSU78 · Dec 22, 2005

okay so i can forget about buying one...hehe i just got ISKQEZEMs name....
--brown

iskwezm · Dec 22, 2005

BrownPSU78 said:
okay so i can forget about buying one...hehe i just got ISKQEZEMs name....
--brown

it takes a while and i bet you a lot of people still dont get it

69Rcode_Mach1 · Dec 22, 2005

Wow I never understood your name either, I never thought of it being something like that. Very clever....... and now I have contributed.

jerry S · Dec 23, 2005

jes72mustang said:
The sounds can be mistaken for a supercharger. It really is a neat sound. .

Once the ricers hear about this side effect, a gear drive will be the newest "must have" in the Honda ranks.

69Rcode_Mach1 · Dec 23, 2005

No way Jerry a gear drive atleast serves a purpose. They don't pay for anything useful, now if it were a cd of sound effects they would be all over it.

iskwezm · Dec 23, 2005

jerry S said:
Once the ricers hear about this side effect, a gear drive will be the newest "must have" in the Honda ranks.

not gonna happen,they have timing belts

but some fool did make a exhaust tip that was banned from certain cities for haveing a "whistle " noise when it was revved.

ashford · Dec 23, 2005

gears hold a time better than a chain, it dont stretch. also it helps with harmonics.

muffler bearings!?!?!

http://www.mufflerbearings.com/

65stang289 · Dec 25, 2005

Is there a down fall to these at all. If some thing breaks wont it eat everything alive in the motor. It might be a dumb question I dont know just asking?

LMan · Dec 27, 2005

65stang289 said:
Is there a down fall to these at all. If some thing breaks wont it eat everything alive in the motor. It might be a dumb question I dont know just asking?

wha?

timing chain vs timing gear drive

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