Who makes the best timing chain and gear set out there?

[BornBuick]

I thought I would get a good set from Egge Machine. So I ordered and received a cam gear, chain and crank gear manufactured from S.A. Gear Manufacturing Company - Automotive Timing Components out of Bedford Park, Il.

The cam gear appears to be cast and not 100% steel. It lacks the proper dual tapped holes to set my fuel pump essentric into as well. The teeth have brittle edges.

The timing chain looks like a japan made one I had some years back with that tell tale hue to the metal and smooth construction. The link pattern is minimal compared to my OEM one I removed.

The crank gear appears all steel and of good construction.


Has anyone used S.A. for their replacement timing sets. Has anyone heard of problems using the S.A. Gear and Timing Set. I few engine rebuilders have said that they had problems with indexing the cam and S.A. set upon install were off. In addition the timing roll marks were off as much as 1 tooth between the cam gear and the crank gear in one example. Rollmaster appears to have a good set and was smack on when installed. No index problems.

Any thoughts?

I am going to take this set to my machinist and see what he says.

So main question then is who makes the best set?

Thanks in advance.

David

 

[raycow]

Sorry for getting in so late on this.

If Cloyes is still out there, they make an excellent quality product. I have used their parts on every engine I have built and have never had a problem with anything of theirs.

Ray

 

[BornBuick]

Ok. This is what I have found. The best STOCK timing chain mfr today is that original OEM one in your car. If you can keep it in there and your not planning on red lining all the time and as long as it is within stretch tolerances - then just reuse it! Even used and beat on somewhat, the original ones are better than the new junk made today. All the new ones have some issue or another to them.

Thanks for all your input and help.