FE Power Forums

FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: DA on January 08, 2026, 08:00:23 PM

Title: Torrington Timing Chain Set
Post by: DA on January 08, 2026, 08:00:23 PM

Anybody use one - benefits, drawbacks?

Is there really any benefit if not used in conjunction with roller cam bearings, or at least coated?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Torrington Timing Chain Set
Post by: jayb on January 08, 2026, 08:09:37 PM

I have seen cases where the timing gear starts digging into the cam retaining plate, and in a case like that the thrust bearing would probably be a good idea.  Usually that's not an issue, though.  I've used those thrust bearings myself with no problems, but if something bad were to happen and the bearing is damaged all those hardened steel shards will go into the engine, potentially causing a ton of damage.  Those needle bearings are small enough to sneak through the oil pump screen, jam the pump, break the cam gear and/or the distributor gear, etc.

Unless you are building a really high HP engine, I don't think the thrust bearing setup is worth it

Title: Re: Torrington Timing Chain Set
Post by: Barry_R on January 09, 2026, 07:58:25 AM

I tend to agree with Jay on this. 
Only the oil pump and distributor put load on the thrust once you go to a roller cam.

A solution looking for a problem to solve....

Title: Re: Torrington Timing Chain Set
Post by: blykins on January 09, 2026, 12:54:13 PM

X3, don't use them.