Timing Chain Kits

framda · Oct 3, 2011

I have a lot of experience with the older v-8 motors, and have changed timing belts on OHCs during my time as a Chrysler mechanic, (I know but they paid good) This is the first OHC motor that I have owned. I figured it was best to ask for advice before I dive into unknown waters. I have a stock 98 GT with 104,000 miles. I thought that the rattling sound coming from the front passenger side of my engine was the serpentine belt pulleys, I checked them with the belt off and they didn't roll right so I changed them out. Still had the noise after completion. I checked it out better and it sounds like it is coming from the front of the passenger side head. I did a little research here, on other threads as well as youtube and I am pretty sure it is the timing chain rattling on the inside of the timing cover. I checked around and I am leaning towards the Trick Flow kit, http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/TFS-51800500/99-04-Mustang-46L-2V-Trick-Flow-Timing-Chain-Kit Or maybe the Cloyes, http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/CLO-90387SA/96-98-Mustang-46L-2V-Timing-Chain-Kit Also considering the Ford Motorsport kit, http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=12196 Question #1 Anyone have any advice in general? Question #2 Anyone already use these kits or something better? Question #3 If any one has used the Trick Flow kit and know about the hex cam gear spacers and how they help to hold the cams in place? Question #4 I saw a thread, (I think it was on this forum) where c-clamps and vice grips were used to prevent cam movement (rotation). Is this what you guys (or gals) are doing or are you buying the tools that hold them? If so which ones? Question #4 The motorsport kit says you have to drill and tap the RH chain guide dowel pin hole, has anyone here used this kit and done this? I thought about doing the PI upgrade while I have it all apart but it is my daily driver and the money tree just isn't blooming as often as I would like it too so right now I just want to fix it before it tears up more and drops bits into the oil pan. I also am thinking about pulling the drain plug while the timing cover is of and gently flushing the crap out of the pan. Any thoughts on this? Thanks for your input, Fred

framda · Oct 3, 2011

Sorry about the links being combined in the post, I spaced them out but they posted like this, Fred

Musturd · Oct 3, 2011

I have the cam tool to do this job. I heard it's easy to do with out. But I got a good deal on it. Make sure to take a look at the tensioners Cus this is wear the chain does most of it's damage. I recommend replacing them at the Same time

framda · Oct 3, 2011

Musturd said:
I have the cam tool to do this job. I heard it's easy to do with out. But I got a good deal on it. Make sure to take a look at the tensioners Cus this is wear the chain does most of it's damage. I recommend replacing them at the Same time

Mustard, yeah, I am definitely going to change the whole shooting match. Since this engine is new territory for me, I am looking for all of the advice that I can get. Did you buy your tool new or used? If new were from? The cheapest I found the tools for so far were around $50 on ebay, still need to check the parts stores. Thanks for the help, Fred

duff daddy · Oct 3, 2011

Look at my "valve seal repalcement" thread and build thread. My build thread has some pic's of when I degreed my cams we made a cam lock down tool. If you have stock cams you can use the OTC tool which will work well. If you have aftermarket cams you can "hack" it and use the keyway. I suggest OTC with the OE lock on the back OR soon ou can buy your own DR cam lock tool.

As far as timing kits. You can get one from ford which will work great HOWEVER ford swapped designs from a steal guide base and went to a fully polymer with steal inserts. I like the factory setups from 96 with them personally. And you know chrysler, look at a 2.7 (besides the mud) they use the steal with a polymer guide... You make the choise. If I got a "kit" it would be Trick flow with some OE ford parts.

vermilion · Oct 3, 2011

99 grand marquis steel backed and plastic guides, tfs tensioners and tfs chains. Stock 03 cam gears 11k and still purring.

framda · Oct 5, 2011

I have been looking around a little more and found this forum,
http://www.theturboforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=134857.0;wap2

They are saying that the components in the TFS kit are now chinese (used to be OEM) plus a chain failure horror story to go with it. They suggest contacting modular mustang racing. Anyone here have any experience with them?