Timing set and a new clutch in my 60 Vette

[Dave #34924]

I will be replacing the timing chain and gear set and the clutch assembly very soon. I priced a few out,and the ZOOM double roller chain and gears are only 21.00 dollars, seems pretty cheap, is it an inferior product? Also looking to do the cluth and from what i heard, the Centerforce setup is suposed to be very good, the centerforce 2 is only 35 dollars more than the Centerforce 1, and it looks like it is a lot stronger. My engine is a 283 with 4 speed.
Any input will be appreciated

[Joe L.]

Re: Timing set and a new clutch in my 60 Vette

Dave-----

The 21 buck Zoom timing set is "phoney" piece. I wouldn't use one of these sets on a bet. Cloyes and other manufacturers even offer the cheap "roller" timing sets and I wouldn't use one of them, either. They probably work ok for a lot of people, but I wouldn't touch one, anyway.

The one you want is a Cloyes #9-3100. This is a high quality, double roller timing chain with true rollers for each link. For a small block, it's the ONLY way I go. It will cost about $70 to $90. With a roller cam, you want the 9-3100T which has an integral thrust bearing, but you probably aren't using a roller cam so you don't need this. The 9-3100 timing sets use hardened sprockets and a Renold chain.

Keep in mind that with ANY double roller chain (even the cheapos)you may have to grind a small amount of material from the block to gain sufficient clearance for the cam sprocket. I've never had to do this, but I know that it's possible, especially with early small blocks like yours.

As far as the clutch goes, I'd use the Centerforce I. It's way more than adequate for your application and it will provide a more stock-like clutch feel.

[Dave #34924]

Re: Timing set and a new clutch in my 60 Vette

How about the perfect circle timing set, it is 45 dollars, and which Centerforce would you use..Centerforce 1 or Centerforce 2

[Joe L.]

Re: Timing set and a new clutch in my 60 Vette

Dave-----

I don't know what the Perfect Circle branded timing set is. It may be a Morse (early link) type chain as was the stock unit or it may be a "roller".

I would use a Centerforce I if I was doing this job.

[Dave #34924]

Re: Timing set and a new clutch in my 60 Vette

I heard the cloyes chain and gears was real good...so why would you use cf1 as opposed to the cf2, how about a zoom or hays street/strip unit

[Patrick H.]

Re: Timing set and a new clutch in my 60 Vette

Dave,

The CF 1 is more than enough for your 283. No offense intended, but the 283 just doesn't put out enough torque or power to justify one of the other clutches you've mentioned. You'll get no benefits, but likely have to put up with a harder clutch pedal and other drivability problems.

There are plenty of "mild" 350s with a CF 1 that put out a lot more HP and torque than your motor and they do just fine. Stop reading your Summit Racing catalog.

Patrick

[Craig S.]

Re: Timing set and a new clutch in my 60 Vette

I did all my Summit catalog kid wish build up on my 81 truck 10 years ago before I thought about what I was really doing. Headers, comp 270 cam, yada yada. Glad I came to my senses before I messed up a vette Craig