That chain...

When I put a new timing chain in a -77 318 some years ago there was a tensioner on that engine... Today I was gonna do it to my -89 318 too & found NO tensioner on that one!
So is it that some slowheaded mechanic's been on & in it before or is it the folx up in the factory office who's been greedy enough to save bucks for their holidays?
Gives me a chevy-feeling...