396/375 Timing Chain Set
 

I am rebuilding a 69 Camaro L78 (396/375) engine. I need some help on a replacement timing chain set. The engine will have stock cam and solid lifters. I do not want to grind on the block, etc. and want the chain to fit under the stock timing chain cover. I do not want to change the pulley alignment. The engine is not a race engine and 6000 rpm is the maximum.

I'm looking at Cloyes roller sets (street or street billet) or the Rollmaster set. I would like to use the bronze thrust plate to eliminate wear on the block. Why make things more complex by using the needle bearing thrust plates?

Any advice? Thanks

Just my opinion -- but if you are pretty much stock (no roller lifter cam) the Cloyes work very well -- no thrust plate needed. But I would recommend using oil plugs with small holes in the front of the cam galley. These two plugs will ensure oil to the cam gear. Pioneer # PP454-25 is what you need -- got mine at O'Reilly's. TAZ

X2
and a stock type set with a steel top gear is perfectly adequate for a stock build

Keep the high volume, high pressure oil pumps out and you wont have to worry about thrust face wear.

Concur ...

Yup, what problem does that pump fix? ;)

Adjustable sets like Cloyes Hex-a-just are a real time saver in getting the cam in right. You are rolling the dice if you just install it dot-to-dot. I wouldn't put any engine together without degreeing the cam.

And check every lobe.

I used a Cloyes Hex Adjust in my L78 motor back in 1998 and its still together, never had an issue...

Rich

Thanks for the replies. Since this is a stock 69 396/375 rebuild with no racing in the future (no alignment problems or grinding of the block). Engine will have a stock oil pump. I'll verify oil holes in gallery plugs. From comments, I think a good choice would be Cloyes 9-1110 (does not contain the thrust wear plate, iron crank gear) or a Cloyes 9-3510WX9 (bronze wear plate and billet cam gear). Either are upgrades from Cloyes c-3024X that I also considered. Before I order does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks