Machinist said hone wasn't enough to warrant a shorter chain. I do take his word as gold, so I gotta believe the Howards is just made a bit looser.
He honed my last 2 and the Cloyes was nice and tight. Don't know why I tried to switch. I'm not a fan of the tentioners.
Gear drive would be really nice. I've run them in Chevys (I know). Just so damn pricey for us Mopar guys.