Well which is better and why? I was thinking of going with a gear drive, simply because I love the sound they make. Which is more reliable?

 

from what I've read, gear drives get annoying after about 6 months. I have one on my 400. Can't hear it, though.

Get a good chain and sprocket set. Save your money for something else.

 

from what i've heard, gear sets are much stronger and more durable than chain drives.

however, if you arent going to make absurd amounts of horsepower, and are on a budget, youre gonna want a chain drive. a good double gear timing chain will be strong enough for most applications and will last for years without problem. the only downside i have ever heard on on a chain drive is their capability to strech over time.

 

Ill vote for a double roller chain setup, quite a bit cheaper and pretty strong.

 

cool thanks for the replies. This is definately a budget motor.

 

If you've got a knock sensor, a gear drive can set it off insanely and rob you of a great deal of power.

 

Jgolden314,
Had a gear set-up on my '78 T/A 455 (many years ago). Really cool sound for about a week. Ripped that thing out after about 2 months. Couldn't stand listening to it anymore!! Returned it to a chain & sprockets......

Sincerely,
Kurt

 

good to know. I think I will just go with good ol chain and sprockets.

 

A guy on this board, devil's advocate, has one on his 600hp 412. Sounds cool at the track, but i'd imagine it would get REAL annoying REAL fast if he drove it every day.

 

IF you can find one, a single roller is ideal. Just as strong as gears, more forgiving, and no inherent noise to distract the knock sensor. Many LTx and LSx family engines use them. I'm not sure where you can find them for the original generation SBC, however.

 

Unless you have a 100% race car with very loud open exhaust, you won't like a gear drive especially if it's for a daily driver. Stick with a good true roller chain. Cloyes makes about the best.

The noisy gear drive in my current race engine was in a street engine for about a week before the owner said rip it out. You can get a quieter gear drive system but they're still too loud for most people.

 

I am definately glad I asked here for opinions first. This is far from a daily driver, however I do like driving it when i got out on the town at night, so I am sure a gear drive would **** the neighbors off.

 

It won't **** the neighbors off but the constant whining will drive you nuts quickly just driving it around. It also makes it harder to hear any other squeeks and rattles that the car may make.

 

Gear drives are notoriously inefficient, and rob power. They do keep perfect timing, but its not worth it. Belt drives are the best.