Single row timing chain

[Esprit Aviation]

Where can the proper size single row chain be obtained for a conversion?

Has anyone here Done a single row conversion?

If so, did you machine off one sprocket from each pair?

[TheNeek]

I might be off base... but is this to improve horsepower by reducing the parasytic drag of the dual row chain?

[kowalski]

metric mechanic has one. i personally wouldn't do it.

[velomech]

Why not?
Im curious too...

Hodge

[kowalski]

Why not?
Im curious too...

Hodge

well, chevy 350's came with a single row timing chain (some did at least), and everyone raves about converting to dual chains, i converted mine when i had one to dual chain.

While the single chain is lighter, i can see it stretching more, faster, and wont last as long. I understand that it will be a lighter settup, so the mass wont be whipping around as much, but the chain is half as strong, and it still has to turn both cams. I can see this as a good setup for a track motor, but not a daily driven motor.

[sheepdog]

well, chevy 350's came with a single row timing chain (some did at least), and everyone raves about converting to dual chains, i converted mine when i had one to dual chain.

While the single chain is lighter, i can see it stretching more, faster, and wont last as long. I understand that it will be a lighter settup, so the mass wont be whipping around as much, but the chain is half as strong, and it still has to turn both cams. I can see this as a good setup for a track motor, but not a daily driven motor.

Keep in mind, those single chains were how many years ago?
Technology marches on.

[John W]

When I had the M10 in my 2002 rebuilt in 1999, the engine builder used a single row chain from a 320i. I never had any problems, although I only put about 25k miles on the engine before selling the car in 2007.

[swiss318is]

i dont think you will have a problem... there is nearly no force on the chain an the singlerowchain is lighter as the stock one...!!! a idea more for my racecar...

[kowalski]

i duno how much technology there is different in a chain produced in 91, and a chain produced in say 88?

do it if you want, but i'm not going to to do it.

[sheepdog]

i duno how much technology there is different in a chain produced in 91, and a chain produced in say 88?

do it if you want, but i'm not going to to do it.

We are not talking a difference of 3 years, we are talking a difference of 15 years.


Like swiss318is said, there is not that much force on it. A V8 (and some others) runs engine components off of it, distributor, fuel pump, oil pump, balance shafts.... We only rotate the cams.

[kowalski]

We are not talking a difference of 3 years, we are talking a difference of 15 years.


Like swiss318is said, there is not that much force on it. A V8 (and some others) runs engine components off of it, distributor, fuel pump, oil pump, balance shafts.... We only rotate the cams.

i believe, correct me if i'm wrong, that mm is just adapting a chain from a different single row motor.

[sheepdog]

i believe, correct me if i'm wrong, that mm is just adapting a chain from a different single row motor.

Possibly, but again, our chain is under a lot less stress than many older motors were.

Even if the chain fits an older car it does not mean the materials are the same.

[john318isau]

From Metric Mechanic:

Single Row Timing Chain Conversion

For years we have used single row timing chains on the M10, M30 single overhead cam engines. They have proven to be extremely reliable to the point where we trust them more than the Double row chain. Yes the dual row is physically stronger but due to the centrifugal force of the spinning chain, the sheer mass of the double row chain can cause the chain links to stretch and wear out and the chain’s whipping action can also cause excessive wear on the guide and tensioner rail. Converting to the single row chain reduces the rotating mass of the chain and sprocket by about 2 lbs and to-date we have never had a chain failure from this modification.
Adds $200 to the cost of any M42 M44 engine.