single row timing chain conversion done

[Esprit Aviation]

The engine is back in and running with the cam sprockets machined down and single row chain fitted.

Will be back on road soon and will post pics of the details.

Depending on sucess, I may be offering the single row chain for sale and may take on sprockets for machining. If anyone is interested, please let me know.
I have a solution to the cam sensor/pin relationship which allows the sprockets to be machined as light as possible.

Also cut an easy 3lbs off of 325i flywheel. It is down to 16lbs. Total weight saved from stock dual mass flywheel, pressure plate and disc ass'y is 8lbs.

[nomade30]

You should be able to get an M20 flywheel down to 13lbs or so.  I would be interested in the single row conversion though.

[KenC]

You can definitely get the M20 flywheel down to 13lbs. My stock 323i flywheel is 13.5lbs.

What's the benefit of a single row chain?

[Esprit Aviation]

nomade30,

I agree that the weight should be less but the machining was a freebie and he didn't feel comfortable going any less. Plus I needed it quickly to put the engine back in.

So far the engine holds together at 6000 rpm w/ the single row, but it is not back on the road yet. In two weeks it will be on Watkins Glen for Trackmasters novice class where it will be proven. I have some chain in stock if you are interested. It seems to be quite desireable.

KenC,

Even though it is not a large amount of weight (approx 2 lbs w/ the sprockets machined), it is rotating mass so there will be some benefit during acceleration & deceleration. We use a low pressure, economical turbo set-up so every little bit helps. Plus I wanted to prove that it can be done sucessfully. The chain itself represents the largest circumference of all rotational assemblies and therefore the benefit is increased. The trade-off is that it rotates at 1/2 engine speed. The result may be similar to taking just over 1 lb off of the very edge of a flywheel that is the same circumference as the chain.

[romkasponka]

Newer engines are single row, so it should work. The only problem here is to find correct chain lenght and pitch from other engine (N46?). It should be tensioned better because of lower chain weight and of course lower rotating mass.

[nomade30]

What's the price of the chain kit?

[Esprit Aviation]

I will try to work up a price including:

-chain only
-machined sprockets (depends on availability)
-machined upper timing cover (depends on availability, for proper clearance of cam position sensor)

Or any combination. I can mock up a cylinder head to ensure clearances are proper so the conversion would be 'plug and play'.

I currently have one length of chain in stock, I need to order another master link since I have used them all. I will also be ordering more chain as well.

I get $80.00 for the completed chain made to the proper length. Other prices to follow.

The chain should also work for the m44 engines and anyone wanting to replace single row chains of the same specs for ultimate strength.

[wannam42]

This is a nice alternative to MM's single-row tinming chain conversion.

[Esprit Aviation]

The conversion ran sucessfully on Watkins Glen during the Trackmasters event held this past weekend. My son drove the entire event.

I am much more confident in the single row chain concept as the car was driven as hard as possible for a total of 4 hours of track time. Stock rev limit was hit approximately 8 times. Engine revs very quickly!

Background: This is the same engine that has the 'Stock Header Turbo Build' noted in this same section. The engine has run for a year+ prior to the conversion @ 5-6 psi with a Saab te05-12b and injectors from a '92 900 turbo.

Other Mods: Flywheel is '87 325is machined to 16lbs. Deleted PS, A/C, fan & fan clutch w/ electric fan, COP conversion (w/o mounting plate)

All else is stock; no chip, rrfpr or any piggyback whatsoever; stock fuel pressure.

Monitoring AFR w/ NGK AFX Powerdex and wideband o2 sensor mounted before turbo inlet. AFR's WOT are approx 12.5. Noted some knock by ear under boost at lower RPM, high load. The addition of a VDO oil pressure gauge plumbed w/ copper tubing surprisingly acted like a stethoscope mounted in location of dash computer. It amplified all valve train noise and any hint of knocking. All traces of knock dissapeared when octane was increased to approx 96; 1/2 93+ 1/2 100.

I was not aware of any other single row conversions, it simply made sense.

I believe I arrive at a different (and lighter) solution than others the way the timing pin and cam sensor mounting is dealt with.

I am still trying to find time to put prices together for all the various stages/ parts of a potential kit. If everyone posts their wants and needs, I will then have some basis for pricing and time frame.

Regards, Lee

[Esprit Aviation]

After losing a supplier for the single row chain, I have now located another and will be able to provide more of the completed chains. I currently have enough for 3) complete chains. After they are gone the price increases to $87.00 each, cut and connected w/ link.

I will try to add pics of the conversion and determine prices on the complete set-up or ala carte for sprocket machining and/or upper timing cover machining.

PM for inquiries.

Thank you for your patience.

Lee

PS. Would like to obtain a small case 3.64 diff, LSD or not.