High Strength Timing Chains
Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:30 am
Hello all, there was a recent thread regarding timing chain sources and I thought I'd add another option. Earlier this year I looked at the availability of timing chains and decided that I wasn't very happy with quality level of most of the aftermarket chains out there. The sources of the parts, quality level and factory QC is pretty much an unknown.
With the U20, if the upper timing chain fails it makes a bloody mess of things destroying many components,sometimes the cylinder head,valve cover, valves, sprockets, timing cover etc. If the lower chain breaks, you will bend some valves, but it usually doesn't wipe out all that much. (Still expensive however)
So for high-performance use, a very tough upper chain is a really good idea. I spoke with a company here that builds racing engines for Porsche/BMW and checked into the source of timing chains for those motors. The chain loading is similar and the rpm range about the same.
Though the Porsche connection, I ordered a custom chain specifically intended for racing. The cost was about the same as a Nissan chain used to be. I asked them about Iwis replacement parts, but the Porsche guys said not to use them for high rpms.
I posted a couple of the chains on ebay. One is gone, so I have one left for sale. It is a very heavy duty chain. LMK if anyone would like it. I can probably get a couple more, but they are too expensive to order and have sit around.
If there is enough interest, I could probably have the short chain made through the Porsche contact too. Probably 90-100$ estimated price.
The Porsche sourced upper chain 130 shipped. I realize this isn't a part for most people, but if you put Mega$$$$'s into an engine and plan to run it hard, a 25$ chain isn't a great idea.
Jim
With the U20, if the upper timing chain fails it makes a bloody mess of things destroying many components,sometimes the cylinder head,valve cover, valves, sprockets, timing cover etc. If the lower chain breaks, you will bend some valves, but it usually doesn't wipe out all that much. (Still expensive however)
So for high-performance use, a very tough upper chain is a really good idea. I spoke with a company here that builds racing engines for Porsche/BMW and checked into the source of timing chains for those motors. The chain loading is similar and the rpm range about the same.
Though the Porsche connection, I ordered a custom chain specifically intended for racing. The cost was about the same as a Nissan chain used to be. I asked them about Iwis replacement parts, but the Porsche guys said not to use them for high rpms.
I posted a couple of the chains on ebay. One is gone, so I have one left for sale. It is a very heavy duty chain. LMK if anyone would like it. I can probably get a couple more, but they are too expensive to order and have sit around.
If there is enough interest, I could probably have the short chain made through the Porsche contact too. Probably 90-100$ estimated price.
The Porsche sourced upper chain 130 shipped. I realize this isn't a part for most people, but if you put Mega$$$$'s into an engine and plan to run it hard, a 25$ chain isn't a great idea.
Jim