Has anyone installed a gear drive on their 3rd gen, computer controlled, roller cam engine? It has always been that you could not use a gear drive on a computer controlled engine, because it would interfere with the knock sensor. Now company's are making gear drives for roller engines, and if it a roller, chances are it has a computer, and knock sensor. Just wondered if anyone has tackled this before?

 

I ran one on my 'bird for awhile. I think Pete Jackson was the only one for awile (when I bought it a good while back) and though it dcaused no problems, it sounded like total ***. Not your traditional wannabe SC whine like elder SBC block geardrives but like, something was loose and ready to fall apart at any given moment type noise.
In all honesty... a geardrive in practical daily purposes is.. just annoying to listen to (as a bud had a 'sneaky pete' on his 71 camaro). Only cool to hear passing by or if the noise is from the real deal.
You'd be just as well off, or better, using a cloyes double roller and calling it a day and a little saved coinage as well.
JMO though... take it as you wish...

 

I understand there are two different gear drives available: the quiet and the loud, so take your pick. Depends on how the gears are cut IIRC.

With that said, I also understand that the gear drive transmits more vibration to the valve train.

 

I've got a Pete Jackson "noisy" geardrive on my 383 LTR and had no problems at all. I asked this same question to some members on here and was told they ran them too. They too have no problems.

I also had a PJ geardrive on a 69 Camaro (carbed) bought before their was a noisy or quiet version. It was in the car, which was a daily driver, for well over 15 years and is still in the car to this very day. Never had a bit of valvetrain problems!

Too many people listen to myths without trying anything.

 

Interesting--I've wanted to run a PJ gear drive for years but I've chickened out because of the vibration to the valve train comments in magazines. No reason to run one, either, except for the sound--I might try one in my street rod under a Summit polished aluminum cover and Weiand aluminum pump when I feel rich some day. Meanwhile, the Camaro sees a lot of street use during the week--think I'll stick with a chain.

 

I have over 55k with a pete jackson "noisy" in my Z (no computer) since 86 never had any problems!