Just wondering who is using a tensioner and why I should or shouldn't use one ?

I am using 1 so far nothing bad to say about it. If you are going to use 1 make sure its in place when you degree the cam.

I had the Mopar one in my 474 small block stroker. Never any issues. I heard it is made by melling in case you can get that one easier/cheaper.

I've used one 2 seasons so far, no problems yet

I've got one in both of my smallblock strokers. No problems at all... I like that fact that they take up any little bit of slack you have in the timing chain.

I'm working on a SB motor now that really chewed up the tensioner. I'm going to leave it off for the next build. Not sure why this one got so chewed up but it doesn't look very pretty and it didn't have very many miles on it.

I've only used them if the chain is loose. The PBM labeled billet timing sets for the small blocks flap in the wind for whatever reason, new, out of the box. On the engines we've built with those timing sets we used a tensioner. Now we use Progear timing sets and they don't have any slack. Kinda a pain to get on actually, but I prefer that to the alternative.

all the late model hemis in the new chargers and challengers use them.

steve

RyanJ told me that he uses one in all engines that use a chain instead of a gear drive. My 408 has one.

Thanks for the responses. I'm not sure if I'm going to try a tensioner or go with a gear to gear timing set ? Any opinions on a gear to gear set ? My build will see more street use.