Prototype Adjustable timing chain set

[fekbmax]

Any progress on the chain set ?

[jayb]

The production batch was supposed to ship from Australia last week, but they haven't yet.  Hopefully this week...

[FE Jonny]

Hey Jay been a while since I signed in LOL. Was checking on the chain set.

[jayb]

Last I heard they will ship this week for sure, probably take 7-10 days for me to get them (since the gears are machined in Australia).  So, I should have them available in a couple weeks.  There have been multiple delays, as seems to be usual with a new product, but they should be here soon - Jay

[Leny Mason]

This is a great Idea my thought is it needs to be pinned after it's set, like Berry said check to make sure to piston doesn't hit  if it moves what can happen, like it was said earlier a series of holes bur degree, I am not being negative put having a back fire could jerk it some I would think. Leny Mason 

[Barry_R]

I have run a hand made prototype of this item on the past two Engine Masters Challenge entries.  It has been absolutely problem free.  No movement at all and proven with a couple hundred dyno pulls to nearly 7000 RPM.

[machoneman]

Barry, can you post a pic of the piece? Perhaps you did already but.....

[jayb]

My new timing gears FINALLY shipped from Australia on Friday.  I should have them in about a week and a half; I will post when they are available.  Here is a picture of one of the top gears:



I agree with Barry that the slotted arrangement shouldn't be a problem.  There are six fine threaded bolts holding the two parts of the top gear together, and torquing them to a reasonable value should keep them locked securely together.  You could pin them if you wanted, but that kind of takes away from the advantage of being able to time the engine while it is put together.

[Drew Pojedinec]

Super cool Jay and Barry.
Really really neat stuff.  If I was building another engine, I wouldn't think twice about getting one (might anyway).

In regards to the loctite/bolt concerns, why not loctite studs in?  Seems like it'd be the best setup for a semi permanent install.

[machoneman]

My new timing gears FINALLY shipped from Australia on Friday.  I should have them in about a week and a half; I will post when they are available.  Here is a picture of one of the top gears:



I agree with Barry that the slotted arrangement shouldn't be a problem.  There are six fine threaded bolts holding the two parts of the top gear together, and torquing them to a reasonable value should keep them locked securely together.  You could pin them if you wanted, but that kind of takes away from the advantage of being able to time the engine while it is put together.

Thanks Jay and Barry! One very cool piece.

[jayb]

Super cool Jay and Barry.
Really really neat stuff.  If I was building another engine, I wouldn't think twice about getting one (might anyway).

In regards to the loctite/bolt concerns, why not loctite studs in?  Seems like it'd be the best setup for a semi permanent install.

I was concerned about the mechanical fuel pump arm; the height of the nut and washer over the gear can interfere with that arm, leading to problems if you want to run a mechanical fuel pump.  I ended up going with button head cap screws, which clear the arm with no trouble and of course would be installed with Loctite and torqued.  Besides, they are cheaper than the studs, nuts, and washers, and the cost of these timing sets was starting to get too high.  I figure that if someone wants to replace the capscrews with some studs and nuts, no reason they can't do that.

[fekbmax]

any idea what the total cost may be to obtain one of these pieces ?

[jayb]

I'm going to put the first 30 sets up at $229.  After that they will go to $249.  ebay prices will be higher when I eventually get them on there, because of the ebay and Paypal charges.  Shipping will be via USPS Priority Mail, so about $14 for shipping.

[427LX]

Very nice setup!  Remember the Vari Cam timing gear that was the hot setup back in the late 60's?
It had a spring tension setup that would retard the cam timing at high RPM I believe.

[WConley]

Jay - If you're using button head cap screws, see if you can source Torx versions at a reasonable cost. 

I've rounded off more Allen head button cap screws than I'd care to admit!  The Torx ones can really take it, especially in your application where people are going to reef on them.

- Bill