What does a timing cahin do?

[Laf482]

Does a timing chain increase performance or does it help the car run better overall? What will the benefits on getting a double roller chain?Anything would help, thanks.

[BleedDodge]

You should take your timing chain out. It actually detracts from performance.

[Ausydad]

The idea behind the double roller chain is to increase durabililty and strength while trying to reduce friction while rotating. For the $30 you'll spend getting one from PAW, it's worth it to try and gain some consistency in your timing. Just take your time on lining things up before you snug 'em. Don't forget to get your oil slinger back in right...
Gear drives are better, but a chain will be great for you unless your running above 7000 RPM and 700 h.p. .....

[charger_dan]

The cheaper (most) timing sets will develop slack fairly quickly.
Short of going with a gear drive ($200-400), it's not a bad idea
to spend the $100-120 for a really high quality timing chain set.
I've got a Cloyes tru-roller in mine, 6 years old, and it's got
enough slack in it that it's next on my list for upgrades.

This article on Hughes' website explains things:

http://www.hughesengines.com/www/hug...iming_sets.asp

[rumblefish360]

I'll try not to repeat...

The timing chain connects the cam and the crank. HP can be lost here in 2 ways.
1.) Some chains will require less HP to use than others. Friction or ease of the chain turning is the issue here. Thats why there are "Roller" chains.
2.) When a chain stretchs, the timing is off and power is reduced. This is why they make them strong. The wrong one, or abuse and age will weaken the chain and allow it to stretch.
MoPar Performance sell a stock part called a "Timing chain tentioner" This neat little gizmo puts constant tention on the chain to avoid slop in the chain and more soild timing.

[moparman318]

One more quick thing to add. If you have a SB witht the plastic cam gear, get rid of it and get a new one. Not a new plastic one though. When I pulled mine and swithed it at about 93k it had slipped 3 maybe 4 links. Truck still ran ok but not like it should have. It's also a good time to add a new cam or intake, considering you will have the whole front of the engine apart.

[jimbo7074]

The auto tensioner from MP also works great on the small blocks and takes care of the slack and spark scatter problems.

[6 packin]

I ordered a chain from Mancini Racing for a Big Block 3 bolt. It was 35-40$ less that the cloyes. I was happy with the quality. We will see this fall when I take it down!

Oh yea.
The cam shaft drives a fuel pump and oil pump in most cases also. Just though I would add that. I dont think buying a 200$ timing chain will result in any performance gain. Degree in the camshaft can and will make more power were you want it though.

[moparman318]

Jimbo: mind if I ask what spark scatter is. I have never heard of it before.

[jimbo7074]

Spark scatter just means as the timing chain wears and gets slack in it, the timing starts to jump around, the tensioner stops this and keeps the timing stable.