Which setup would be better in the long run?? I know gear drives have a whine, but is there an advantage over the chain?? Vibration, accuracy with timing, less stress, etc.....

I'd like to get as much feedback and information. I'm about to put some heads and a cam on my 400SB, and I might change over to a gear drive if the money is worth it, and if there is a "definite" advantage. I am more concerned with a long lasting, hastle free, good performing, durable set up.

This site rocks!!!! All of the feedback is great, and very helpful. I already have made a few dozen decisions and had help troubleshooting my Nova from this site.

Thanks!!!

Considering all the magazine engine builds...I may have only seen one used...that was for the sound.

I think a chain (double roller Cloyes for me!) is the preferred way to avoid harmonics from crank to cam, etc...from what I understand.

Besides it is cheaper. :)

I had 2 engines built by a professional shop and they put double roller chains in both of them. At the time I asked them about gear drives and they said that there is more drag in a gear drive setup thus it takes more hp away from the engine. Also, sometimes machining of the block is required with some gear setups. Unless you really want that blower whine sound, I would stick with a good double roller setup. As the other poster said, it's also a lot cheaper.

A gear drive was the hot set up a few years back in racing applications because with the extreme spring loads they were ruining chains that were prone to stretch. Since both chain and gears are a positive mechanical linkage all of the harmonics of the crank are passed through to the distributor.

Today racers all use belt drives because the belts dampen the harmonics, are longer lasting, and not as hard on parts as are the gear drives. As far as the distributor goes, everyone now uses a crank trigger with multiple coil packs for reliable timing, with a potent spark.

As pointed out people only buy a gear drive today to get the whine (either they think it is cool by itself; or are posing as having a hidden blower under the hood).


Big Dave

Great advice!!! I will stick with the double roller chain. It will definetly save me some money, and probably last longer.

Thank you to those who replied.......if there is any other info on gear vs. chain.....please let me know.

Jakc

Is a stock chain drive...a double roller? If not, do I have to make any modifications?

A stock set up is a link belt and tend to stretch easily. They run quiet and are fine for stock engines. A double roller will bolt in with no modifications and will keep cam/crank timing more accuratly than the stock set up. Look for one that states it is a true roller chain. The cost is higher but worth the extra.

I like using "True Roller" timing sets from Cloyes or Edelbrock. :thumbsup: