C3 (70) Timing Chain Set Recomendation

[Travis Williamson]

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 (70) Timing Chain Set Recomendation

Travis-----

You don't need to worry about getting a nylon camshaft sprocket for a small block. GM hasn't sold one in 30 years and most of the aftermarkets don't, either. One can special order one from Cloyes if one is desirous of such a thing. I'll bet they don't sell too many.

I recommend a Cloyes True-Roller #9-3100 for your engine. However, you can also use a stock type, Morse early-link type style set, too. Such sets are available from Cloyes, are high quality, and are quite economical, too. These sets use an iron cam sprocket, iron crank sprocket, and Morse chain. The Cloyes number for the set is C-3001.

GM does not sell a timing set, per se. From them, you have to buy the individual components and it can get quite expensive-----more expensive than the Cloyes True Roller. By the way, all Cloyes roller chains are not the same. If you use the Cloyes roller set, use the #9-3100.

[Jim Callan]

Re: C3 (70) Timing Chain Set Recomendation

Travis ..

Be very, very careful here. I removed my 350/270hp from my '71 C3 to "just" clean and paint and detail under the hood. That was 4 months ago and because it was "out" my wife commented "why not rebuild the engine". I did a complete rebuild of the engine. I also decided now was the perfect time to rebuild the front suspension. Everything has been removed from the engine compartment (radiator, rad support, condensor, m/c and booster, all a/c lines, vac lines, wiper assy) "makes it easier to clean and paint", I told my wife. And when it starts going back together, I just gotta put new brake system on because the parking brake hasn't worked for 20 years.

Good Luck - just paint the engine ... not going to happen.

Jim Callan

[Travis Williamson]

Re: C3 (70) Timing Chain Set Recomendation

Thanks for the warning but its too late Jim.

Im in the process of doing the exact same thing!!!

[Travis Williamson]

Re: C3 (70) Timing Chain Set Recomendation

Thanks Joe

Turns out that is the exact timing chain set I had in mind. Its on its way.

I should have known to ask you. Well at least its here for others if they need it.

Travis

[Dennis D.]

cloyes true roller *NM*

[frank mccracken]

Re: C3 (70) Timing Chain Set Recomendation

Does anyone have an opinion of the stock replacement metal set? Since those days there have been many improvements to the 'silent chain'. No stretch. For stock or mild performance applications I think one is safe using them. No clearance issuses either. I think the true roller set is sorta way overkill.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 (70) Timing Chain Set Recomendation

Frank-----

A stock-style replacement set is fine for most applications. However, if one wants to use GM pieces, the cost will exceed the cost of a Cloyes True Roller, even if one buys the GM pieces at a deep discount. An aftermarket, stock type set is fine, though, and will cost MUCH less. Of course, one needs to use a stock-type set with an iron cam sprocket. Most aftermarket are this way, anyway.

In my mind, though, the Cloyes True Roller is the best set on the market. It uses a true roller, RENOLD-manufactured chain, a hardened and precision balanced cast iron camshaft sprocket, and a hardened steel crankshaft sprocket.

The stock GM pieces include a hardened, non-precision-balanced, iron camshaft sprocket, a Morse early link chain, and a sintered iron crankshaft sprocket (non-forged sintered iron). Quality aftermarket, stock-type sets, like Cloyes, usually include pieces like GM, although for some the camshaft sprocket may not be hardened.

The GM pieces to make up a complete set carry a current total GM list price of $147.48. With a deep discount, you could get these for about $100. A quality, aftermarket, stock-type set (like Cloyes) is going to cost about $40. You can purchase the Cloyes True-Roller #9-3100 for about $75. So, while it may be "overkill", it's overkill that doesn't really cost very much extra.

While some folks have reported fitment problems with the 9-3100, I've never had any, at all.

I'll be posting some information, historical and otherwise, regarding stock timing sets when I can get around to it. I've been meaning to do it for quite some time.

[Clem Z.]

some tru rollers come with 3 keyways

in the crank gear,make sure you use the correct one. i have seen some double roller chains that hit the block at the top of the cam gear do to difference in the GM block castings.

[frank mccracken]

Re: some tru rollers come with 3 keyways

Joe , that would be interesting. After years of using truck sets and true rollers, I've gone to aftermaret single chain metal replacement sets.