Timing chain set

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cudamark

cudamark

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Has anyone used the Melling double roller timing chain set? I've seen mixed results of the Comp Cam sets, so, not real confident in those at the moment, so, looking for something else that doesn't cost a small fortune.....preferably made in USA......although I'm not sure where the Melling ones are made for that matter. I've had good luck with their oil pumps and they are (or at least were) a good old American company. Any results good or bad? Thanks.
 
Google search Rollmaster CS5010 I guess my memory is hazy. I think I payed $100 for mine. Here it is on Amazon for $117

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I couldn't find one for anywhere around $60. Most were twice that. I see a Howard's billet set for a bit over $100 too. Anyone have experience with that one?
 
Sorry about the incorrect price. Thinking back now, it was about $100 when I bought it a few years ago. Aussie made speed part.
 
I really like the rollmaster best but I run allot of the summit chains and they are good. No matter what chain you run I strongly recommend a cloyes tensioner. We have seen allot of chains (cheap and expensive) have stretch with very low miles even though they were tight when installed.
 
Can't vouch for their quality in the last say 15 years but I have used many many Melling double roller set on different engines. Never a problem.
 
lead69 said:
I really like the rollmaster best but I run allot of the summit chains and they are good. No matter what chain you run I strongly recommend a cloyes tensioner. We have seen allot of chains (cheap and expensive) have stretch with very low miles even though they were tight when installed.
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I was thinking that originally but have read here where double rollers don't play well with the plastic tensioner blocks. They tend to tear up the block and shed into the engine.
 
There nothing wrong with buying an Australian made chain in lieu of USA made. The Aussies are good people and if they weren't so far away I'd consider buying one to keep around the house for odd tasks.

As for tensioners and chain stretch....it's important to note the chain tensioner puts tension on the slack side of the chain and mostly is there to keep noise down. It's not gonna do much, if anything, to affect the actual cam timing. If chain sloppiness is keeping you awake at night, use a gear drive.
 
If you're not paying at or around 100 bucks for a timing chain set, you're not getitng a good one. You need a billet set. They stretch the least during break in.
 
I know a couple engine builders who swear by Engine Pro timing sets, so that's what I use. Chances are, they're probably mostly all made in the same factory anyway - with just different names on the boxes.
 
I have one of those tensioners sitting on the bench, soon to be used. Prior to insertion, I will use a saw to lighten it by cutting off all of the tensioner-related parts. No way am I gonna run a steel chain against a $3 plastic piece and expect it to not wear. I should also add that I believe (?) those tensioners were developed by Chrysler for use with a link type chain, not a roller. That answers your question of "if they're so bad why do they last so long in stock engines?"
 
gregcon said:
I have one of those tensioners sitting on the bench, soon to be used. Prior to insertion, I will use a saw to lighten it by cutting off all of the tensioner-related parts. No way am I gonna run a steel chain against a $3 plastic piece and expect it to not wear. I should also add that I believe (?) those tensioners were developed by Chrysler for use with a link type chain, not a roller. That answers your question of "if they're so bad why do they last so long in stock engines?"
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I put one on my 273 with a roller chain. I wouldn't do it again. Yes, they are designed for standard chains and not double rollers. If I ever need to take the front of the engine apart I will take it out. Not necessary with a good double roller.
 
toolmanmike said:
I put one on my 273 with a roller chain. I wouldn't do it again. Yes, they are designed for standard chains and not double rollers. If I ever need to take the front of the engine apart I will take it out. Not necessary with a good double roller.
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I have one of them tensioner.
My chain was too tight to us it.
Figured that I would install it if I pulled it down for some reason. Maybe not.

The chain stretch, will still be stretched. With or with out the tensioner. Aka will not restore the cam timing, you degrees in previously.
 
4spdragtop said:
I would be concerned about black material wearing off.
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I've torn down a lot of engines with those and never seen that problem. Not once. Never once seen evidence posted on the internet, either. Just a lot of talk.
 
toolmanmike said:
I put one on my 273 with a roller chain. I wouldn't do it again. Yes, they are designed for standard chains and not double rollers. If I ever need to take the front of the engine apart I will take it out. Not necessary with a good double roller.
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Funny you bring that up. I've torn down both 3.9 V6s with factory double rollers WITH tensioners and a few cop car 318s with the same.
 
gregcon said:
There nothing wrong with buying an Australian made chain in lieu of USA made. The Aussies are good people and if they weren't so far away I'd consider buying one to keep around the house for odd tasks.

As for tensioners and chain stretch....it's important to note the chain tensioner puts tension on the slack side of the chain and mostly is there to keep noise down. It's not gonna do much, if anything, to affect the actual cam timing. If chain sloppiness is keeping you awake at night, use a gear drive.
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AMEN to the last part for sure.

I won’t use a TC without a tensioner. I understand it’s on the slack side, but every time there is a speed change (engine speed) the cam retards to the slack side.
 
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