I have about a 1/8 inch play in and out(each way), should I try a - .005 timing chain set? I know I want it tighter, just not sure if this qualifies for the shorter set? It's a Big Block. Thanks.

Here is a bump for you.
By the way,is that rust on your cam gear,or some sort of grease?

To be honest I dont think you could get the shorter
chain on, its designed for a block that the mains line bored,
moving the crank closer to the cam. That being said,
if you measure the distance now then move the cam
gear up by .005 (with the chain on)would tell you
if you could get away with the shorter chain. You
might have to do this off of the engine. But if you
look at the amount of slack you have now and split
that in half thats, it would be if you have the
shorter chain... without even going to the short
chain

That looks awful tight already...Which is ok.

Most new sets I've put on have that much play when new. I'd be more worried about what's under that bandaid! Heh, man, I have a lot of bandaid shots as well! lol

if this makes you feel any better......

I have a Cloyes true roller set on my engine, it has at least 400 paSSES on it, and prob a couple thousand street miles. I just bought the chain only and the old one was so loose that the cam was 4* advanced with the new "tighter" chain. It still has a lil slack even new LOL
Maybe they have slack in them becasue.....DID you all know that a BigBlock Chevy is the SAME chain???? Yea, the same chain fits BB Chevy AND mopar sets...LOL

It looks like your fine with that chain, i like to oil them with nice sticky STP before putting the cover on

I usually only run an undersize set after a line hone is done (they usually need it) ...your tension looks about right to me on the "slack side", the driver's side will stay in tension, how's your valve timing look, actually a little retard at high RPM can be good for power

Thanks! As usual, I feel better after a few replies to a question.