12v Timing Chain: If you had the Option would you?

[MonkeyMadness]

Yes: in a heatbeat (if so how much is to much $$$)





No: keep it stock, keep it real (why?)





or :wgaf: it will never happen asshole.....



Just askin cause I would really like one.....ugh

[e46s54dr]

How about an aftermarket indestructible timing belt instead? Seems more plausible and cost effecient.

[James Crivellone]

Timing belts are very easy and reliable if maintained. Zero reason to have a chain on an M20

[paperplane94]

^+1

I would imagine that belt driven engines are smoother running.

[Vivek]

Timing belts are very easy and reliable if maintained. Zero reason to have a chain on an M20

Aren't you basically saying that they don't give you any trouble as long as you replace them every two years?

[paperplane94]

Aren't you basically saying that they don't give you any trouble as long as you replace them every two years?

YES!

People think the T-belts are like a time bomb. They aren't, except for those who neglect them.

[Vivek]

But that doesn't make sense to me. Of course it won't break if you replace it. I at least think that the OP doesn't wanna keep replacing his TB, so put a chain on that'll never break.

[paperplane94]

^Think of the implications. A timing chain conversion would require some kind of fabricated Cam sprocket and Crank pulley, if not, a whole new crankshaft. PLus you will have to figure out some kind of a chain guide setup as opposed to a tensioner roller.

Another thing, timing chains DO BREAK under certain circumstances. You never really are safe. Also, timing belts give you a chance to inspect things around your engine while its being changed such as the waterpump, acc. belts, and checking for loose fasteners. You would never think to have a look at the cooling system if you had a timing chain without compelling reasons.

Timing belts are just so much more straightforward to me. I guess I could see that peoples busy schedules may interfere with how they maintain their cars/change their T-belts. Only then one might consider having a chained engine, but other than that the belts aren't bad.


Has anyone documented a successful timing chain conversion for the M20? not 24v...

[blueapplesoda]

:d

[blueapplesoda]

fuck you stupid autocorrecting forum

[rThor432]

This question always comes up. My defense against it-- timing belt kit costs what, $150 with a water pump, tops? Belt withtensioner is only $50 or so. Well look at what timing chain guides and tensioners cost. The 24v tensioner costs more than the belt/tensioner kit and the do wear out. If neglected, the chain slaps around and destroys the guide rails prematurely. Even if you do keep a solid tensioner in there, the guides will wear out between 150k and 200k. Sure, I've seen plenty of 24v engines north of that with original parts-- doesn't mean they aren't worn though. At that point it's the same time bomb as an old timing belt, however collectively all of the timing belt services you saved yourself from doing will still be less labor than replacing the guides, chain, sprockets and so on-- not to mention all of those t-belt kits would cost a fraction of the chain components. Some may argue that they'll never put that many miles on their car, but that's not my point.

Anyway, I don't care how an engine is set up at the end of the day. I've loved my t-belt cars. My E36 M has over 200k on the original components-- except it's had 2 tensioners. It could grenade, but I'm ready for that. There's my input, take it with a grain of salt.

[bastianshaw]

belts are better

[stamar]

chains put more metal flakes in the oil.

[stamar]

How about an aftermarket indestructible timing belt instead? Seems more plausible and cost effecient.

they make carbon fiber belts for motorcycles. Gates and continental make them too. should be lifetime. Could also be designed to be changed much easier.

but absolutely the belt is a million times better design, its just that then made it of rubber.

the belt was a big advance in vehicle reliability, but they did it backhanded by making it out of crap.

manufacturing uses permanent belts.

However, people who cant do it themselves prefer a chain. theyd prefer the whole thing die so it became chains again.

Honda was one of the last big companys to stick with belts. still belt driven into the early 00s. Other then that most cars are chains again nowadays.

[The Humjet]

I only would trust a timing chain on an old pushrod v8.
I've seen motors come to my work with snapped timing chains and it ain't pretty. The problem lies in removing a timing case cover. On some cars it's a head fuck to remove and people would rather not bother and ignore the fact that timing chain is a part of the motor that also needs servicing.
Changing a timing belt however is a lot less work and will cost a lot less in labour. We all drive interference motors, there is a reason why we have special intervals for a timing belt changees and for the guys out there who believe a car needs only needs fuel, water and oil to survive should go buy something else like a Toyota Corolla because they don't deserve to drive a car like the BMW e30.