Undersized timing chain set for a SB mopar

how come will a gear drive setup compensate for a block thats been align bored?

I have this same problem with a 340 in which a new timing chain fits with a lot of slack.

This is not a race engine, but a restoration build, and even though I could use a chain tensioner, it really doesnt give me peace of mind....specially if the new chain has so much slack on a fresh build....i fear it might pound the tensioner till failure. not good.

I also read that those Milodon gear drives are the "quiet" type. Are they really quiet as they advertise them to be?

. I had a 408 that had lots of work done to the mains. That work moved the crankshaft up. I opted for a tensioner it was the first time I had ran one I beat the snot out of that motor forever it performed flawlessly.. now I will not assemble a small block Dodge with a chain without using a tensioner.. this was my experience

The way im thinking about this in my miind, i like the idea of a tensioner, but i still think a properly sized chain will keep cam timing in sync with crank /piston position. I would think the flexing of the tensioner would allow for movement on decelleration compared to acceleration. I could be wrong, but this seems possible.

Gear drive for a normal cam MUST have an idler, or the cam would turn backward.

Yes my gear drive has a idler gear on it.. thats
the part thats adjustable(it can move some to
take up for a crank being turned down).. love that
gear drive set up(this is a single idler gear set
up) unlike the dual gear this is quiet on the street
EDIT
I have a tensioner on my 416 with a chain.. I was
concerned about the chain on the tensioner and how it
would wear but I have had it apart a few times and
that doesnt seem to be a issue.. the most that can
happen is the chain will wear down enough so the
tensioner will spread out the load and the chain
will be on more surface area but it hasnt got down
that far.. yet

I read some scary comments about the "dual floating idler" drive, sounds like the self-centering effect causes violent changes in lash and tooth contact.
Anyone make a chain drive with an adjustable (not spring loaded) tensioner to avoid the slack loop on decel?

chances is if he's got plenty of p2v what happens on decel is not that important.. unless he is talking about. A ton lash in the chain.. if you can take the whip out of the backside of the chain.. usually it will not stretch very much.. most of this stuff is not rocket science nor does it need to be that complicated.. put it together and have fun

thanks for the replies guys_°