hearing these opinions has just put me right back on the fence lol

The engine was never line honed, so that is not the issue. The timing set was always kinda sloppy from day one. I am looking into a new timing set, just seems like a shame since this one is still in great shape other then a stretched chain (thought about getting a new chain, but unsure of what to do for length).

I too would like to hear more about the tensioners wear characteristics. As the pads wear, isn't that material going to get into the oil like Brian mentioned? Would this not be a possibility for engine failure as a result? or does the pickup screen prevent this?

Also, I see that Cloyes makes one as well. Is there a difference in quality between the Cloyes one and the factory one? Does anybody know the part number for the factory piece?

I have run a tensioner on my street and strip 340 for the past 5 years. My block was previously line bored and I could not find a chain that fit tight. Currently upgrading my combo to a 416 and will reuse the same tensioner.

Your dealer or auto parts store can get you one.

P5007709...same as used on Jeeps...5.2 and 5.9 trucks, and I think the 3.9L.


Keep in mind, timing will only bounce in a case like this at slower or on and off speeds. A timing chain will always have tension against ONE SIDE while under power. Or at least it better. You'll always have a tight side, and one more slack. If its a horrible fitting chain right fromt he beginning, then this could serve as a bandaid. Its funny, you dont see SBC having to run them. Hell, they still successfully use a single roller chain on the late model cams with great success.

As you can see, we dont all agree.... ...its your vehicle, do what makes you comfortable.

well I just called the dealer with the part number and just like Mr. P said, they don't seem to make them anymore. Was told there are none whatsoever in Canada and that I MIGHT be able to find one from the states. Wonder if the auto parts store would be any different

Check Summit... thats where I got mine

When I ordered my Rollmaster chain, they asked me if I had linehoned the block, I said yes, they asked how much, and made it 3thou shorter, and it fits nice, not to tight, and not to loos, there is zero play in the chain, and I have a lock collar on my distributor shaft to keep my cam gear from bouncing. My timing is ROCK solid.



Kasey

I can get them, drop me a PM.

Here's the wear on mine after a couple thousand miles...

Just called the local parts store and they have this guy for 20 bucks...Doesn't look to reassuring laugh:

http://www.autopartsway.ca/PartDetails.cfm?W0133-1685095/MAH

Todd, Im going to see if my local guy has it since I didn't want to bother him with something this small, but i will shoot you an email if he doesn't

thanks!

Hughes engines has them. That is where i got mine.

I don't know what you guys are doing but my motor has two seasons on it and the wear is minimal. This is with a solid roller too. I am going to put it back in the motor as is too. I also run a good chain but I don't think you can make your timing to steady.

Mancini Racing has them for $39.95 part #mopp5007709. I just installed one on my 416. It did not make a difference on how hard or easy the motor turns over. My motor is not back together yet so can't comment on the wear pattern. If you do use one I would degree your cam again with the tensioner on just to see the difference. I tore my motor down with only 800 miles on it because of a vibration. So it gave me a chance to check everything out. I'm using a good quality timing chain and it appeared to have stretched quite a bit, so I'm trying the tensioner. I'm using a gear drive timing set on my 410 so time will tell which one out lasts the other.
I think if you use a good quality oil, regular oil changes, and a good screen on the pick-up tube everything should be fine.

I have run a Mopar brand ( P5007709 )tensioner for about 3 years now on my 408. No problems and minimal wear. Had the oil pan off once in that time and didn't see anything. Maybe the oil filter caught some stuff.

This is clearly one of those "builders choice" items. I've built them both ways and can't really tell any difference in how they ran. Two things worth considering. One: these tensioners were intended to be used with stock type link chains which have a much smoother back than the double rollers typically used in performance builds. 2nd. If you do decide to use one it may not be a bad idea to drill the 4th. bolt hole in the tensioner [ use a standard cam retainer for a template ] and use a bolt with an 1/8 in. hole drilled through the center in the upper left [ looking at it from the front ] bolt hole. This bolt goes through the front of the block and sits in a pocket in the cam valley that collects oil. This would allow oil to drip directly onto the chain and possibly improve wear.