sbc timing chain issue

[Jeff]

Help!!
I am installing a cloyes double roller hex-a-just chain, I have done many chains before, but have not seen this situation before. I installed the crank sprocket, slid on the chain and cam sprocket, hand tightened the cam bolts, the chain in hitting the upper oil galley and there is approx 3/8 to 1/2 inch deflection in the chain? I don't know if this chain was mis-packaged, according to the part # it is for a 55-87 sbc motor non factory roller motor set up. Is it possible is could be a bbc chain? Or a bbc cam sprocket? Just hunting for ideas, I ordered a Pete Jackson gear drive to get this thing back together.
Thanks

[hyerus1]

JEFF, WE RAN INTO THIS WITH THE JR/F CAR. YOU NEED TO GET A TENSIONER FROM COMP CAMS PART # 5419. YOU WILL ALSO NEED TEMPLATE PART # 5421. WHEN YOU DRILL FOR THE TENSIONER ACROSS FROM #1 CYL. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GO THROUGH THE CYL! 350 BLOCK IS SAFE, 400 IS VERY CRITICAL! THEN, IF YOU RUN AN ALUMINIUM TIMING COVER, YOU WILL HAVE TO CLEARANCE GRIND IT FOR THE IDLER. HOPE THIS HELPS. OZZIE

[Jeff]

Feb 24, 2009 18:59:58 GMT -5 hyerus1 said:

JEFF, WE RAN INTO THIS WITH THE JR/F CAR. YOU NEED TO GET A TENSIONER FROM COMP CAMS PART # 5419. YOU WILL ALSO NEED TEMPLATE PART # 5421. WHEN YOU DRILL FOR THE TENSIONER ACROSS FROM #1 CYL. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GO THROUGH THE CYL! 350 BLOCK IS SAFE, 400 IS VERY CRITICAL! THEN, IF YOU RUN AN ALUMINIUM TIMING COVER, YOU WILL HAVE TO CLEARANCE GRIND IT FOR THE IDLER. HOPE THIS HELPS. OZZIE

Ozzie
I appreciate the response back, sounds like a major head ache, the motor is in the car and assembled! How about the top galley plug? Does this also need to be ground on-clearanced, that is another issue i am currently having if I decide to use this, I hope the Pete Jackson gear drive is nicer to me?
Thanks

[hyerus1]

JEFF, YES GALLEY PLUG NEEDS GRINDING. THE GEAR DRIVE WILL TAKE UP THE SLACK. I DON"T KNOW WHAT CLASS YOU RUN BUT YOU WILL GIVE UP H.P. WITH A GEAR DRIVE. OZZIE.

[Jeff]

Thanks Ozzie for the feed back again!! I run the car in Hr or Summit Pro class, trying a few things new, have now idea what the car will do
Take care

[chuck]

The reason chains are loose is because the block is align bored . Cloyes has a bigger upper sprocket . Pete Jackson gear drives are good and not expensive . I have to disagree with you Ozzie on loosing H.P. . You will get spark scatter but still better than a chain . Chuck

[hyerus1]

JEFF, YOU ARE VERY WELCOME. THE ANRA GUYS ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP A FELLOW RACER! DON"T EVER HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP! OZZIE.

[Jeff]

Thanks for everyones input ;D

So far I have a only raced at 2 events and everyone that I have chatted with-encountered has been very helpfull. I hope and plan to attend all 4 events this year!!

[Dragster Jeff]

Drag Racers are the B.P. O.E.

Drag Racers are The Best People On Earth!

See you in the lanes, and hope to see you in the pits when the racing is done!

D.J.

[Dave Tuttle]

Jeff,
If your standard timing chain fits like a jump rope right outa the box , its a safe bet that someones align bored the block and the crank C/L is higher. That makes me wonder if a double idler gear drive like a Pete Jackson will even fit without having to force the idler gears in place? If the idler gear doesn't slide right on, the front cam and main bearings are not gonna be too happy, right?

I guess that's why they call it "Building an Engine"!!
Dave Tuttle

[Jeff]

I got the Pete Jackson set up on, gear drive slid right into place, with no problems per the dirrections w/the gear drive, degreed the cam, it is correct per the manufacture, motor is close to fireing up!!
Jeff