Thread: BBC vs SBC timing chains, interchangeable?

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I was shopping for a timing chain for my 454 and came across a few where they said it would fit both big block and small block. TRUE?

yes that is true.

no $h!+...???
Why does almost every catalog list them as different part numbers...?
The kicker is the price differences, BB is almost always more expensive...
I will just order a sbc one, that is, unless someone else here has more info on this topic

Why does almost every catalog list them as different part numbers...?

There might be a clue in that statement. The chain may be the same, but are the gears? For a $50.00 part, why not order the one you KNOW will fit?

i do not think they are. gm part # are different gears are not the same size so the chain would be not the same. like said .buy a set that is for a bbc a stock set is not much

ooops, I should have clarified. I was asking if the set was the same. I guess the chain could be the same but the gears could be different. I am on a budget, so if I can save $20 or buy the next level of quality up for the same price, just by ordering a SBC as opposed to a BBC (if they are identical), I am going to do it.

I guess Pat answered that, the gears are diff, the chain may be the same...
thx guys

Originally Posted by Gusaroo

ooops, I should have clarified. I was asking if the set was the same. I guess the chain could be the same but the gears could be different. I am on a budget, so if I can save $20 or buy the next level of quality up for the same price, just by ordering a SBC as opposed to a BBC (if they are identical), I am going to do it.

I guess Pat answered that, the gears are diff, the chain may be the same...
thx guys

chains are not .if you need a new stock set is $17.if you can not find one for that i will sell you a stock set i have new for 17. with shipping if that helps

Rockauto has a big block 454 chain , Cloyes C168. for $13.74
Same price as a small block

Dave

Originally Posted by DennyW

13.74 ?? What's it made out of ?? Bicycle chain ??

hey them china bicycle chains are good they move the china work force

Since it is a cheap piece, I was going to buy a double roller...Am I wasting my money? I haven't seen one for under $40. Should I just buy a stock replacement?

stock to mild stock or roller the cheaper type like they sell they are not a true roller set. all out race true roller or belt drive

I think you need to look around. I think you can get a Cloyes DBL roller CHain from Powerhouse, PAW etc for twenty something bucks. If your not gonna build this motor again any time soon, and your gonna beat on it...Id say the extra few bucks for a DBL roller CHain is worth it. From my expereince which is limited compared to tohers on here like Pat, Erik etc...the first thing that goes on a Small of big block chevrolet in the cam, lifters and timing chain...for the extra 10 -15 over stock Id get the dbl roller.

it is $50 more to buy a good set like i have used in a soild roller cam engine that run over 250lbs at the seat and 750lbs+ open springs .but if you have stock springs and stock cam if you have the money then buy a good set if not a stock set will work they last a long time if a stock engine

the first thing that always went was the nylon top gears all are iron now stock set is just that no more or less

yep i have seen that and have had to get line bore sets to fix that. had a 427 that was hurt so bad that .010 line bore set did not help any. it but still runs told the guy the block was junk but still runs 1/4 a mile at a time and has been this way for 5 years. not right but runs damn good put a cam correct on it