Small block chain tensioner and bolt grade and plugs

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Slantsix64

Slantsix64

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Hey guys so, my 340 came with some weird gear driven timing chain not the original set up, I’m looking to buy the Belt tensioner cam plate,

my question is I do not have any of the camshaft bolts , can I just buy hardened grade 8 flange bolts and drill a hole threw one to oil the timing chain?

also the two tiny freeze plugs which go in the front where the camshaft retainer is , what is the size? The ones one the motor were 15/16 but it was removable by touch

thanks in advance!
 
A tensioner? Hole in a bolt? Where did you read about this? Sounds intriguing
 
12many said:
A tensioner? Hole in a bolt? Where did you read about this? Sounds intriguing
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The hole in the bolt is something I have seen over the years but here’s a picture of that tensioner

80F0B156-D6CD-473D-8CE3-11CD19C2A8E6.png
 
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That is a factory tensioner for a magnum V6 and V8. .
Yes I drilled a hole through a bolt.
 
MoparLeo said:
No, a picture of your engine with cam gear. Just an FYI, the tensioner requires the use of a speific type of timing chain or it will damage the tensioners plastic guide.
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I was going to run that melling double roller chain, but I’ll double check I know Hughes sells the tensioner and chain in one.
 
Either style chain will work. I've seen gouges in the nylon tensioner pads and I've seen no gouges at all with the roller style chain, may depend on the finish of the chain end links itself. Feel the edges of the new chain for any burs. I got a LONG roller chain on my Mazda 2.0 and there were no tracks on my 3 tensioner slippers after 225,000 miles. YMMV
 
I drilled out the round recess in the cam plate and drilled a tiny hole in the oil galley expansion plug. I think I got that from the "How to hot rod your small block Mopar" book.

042500951507[00].jpg
 
Correctly setup, the gear drive on the engine now is superior the chain, especially from a performance standpoint. More stable timing.
 
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