Gear Drive or Double Roller

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Oct 15, 2003 | 08:04 PM

Duthlerfordparts

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From: Kentwood, MI

Gear Drive or Double Roller

I am planning on building up a 460 for my '77 F150 4X4. I want to build a Hemi Ram killer! I'd like to squeeze out about 400 hp. Anyway, here's the point: Would I be better off with a gear drive or a double roller timing chain. I like the noise of the gear drive, which is basically the whole point of using it. Cost is not a concern, I am just worried about a gear drive causing too much vibration, and possibly harming the engine for a daily driver. Should I leave the gear drive to the race cars, or can I play with it on the street?

Oct 15, 2003 | 08:24 PM

proeliator

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From: Oregon

You can get pretty much the accuracy of the gear with the roller without the negative harmonics caused by the gear set. I'd stick with the double roller.

Oct 15, 2003 | 11:03 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

I agree. The chain will absorb some of the engine harmonics and will last a long time. Edelbrock maked a good one for a fair price. Thats what I used in mine.
Jimmy

Oct 17, 2003 | 08:50 AM

Hired Gun

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From: Oregon Coast

Gear drives are for diesels and low rpm or heavy loaded cam drive applications like sprint cars that drive the fuel pump and water pump off the cam. They are not for performance applications due to the transmission of crankshaft harmonics into the valvetrain. A belt is the best followed by a nice true roller chain drive.

Oct 17, 2003 | 08:53 AM

DanTana

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If you want noise, put a GMC 6-71 blower on it then you could justify using a gear drive.

Oct 17, 2003 | 10:17 AM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

If it had a 6-71 blower on it, then it wouldn't need the geardrive for sound.

Nov 2, 2003 | 04:59 PM

Duthlerfordparts

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From: Kentwood, MI

Something I forgot to think about; does anyone know if the fuel pump eccentric will work with gear drive? I guess this is one more reason to go with the double roller!

The 6-71 blower crossed my mind more than once! Level heads prevail, though when I remember I have to drive the truck in the winter.