Replacing timing chain

[pgriffith]

Everyone recomends replacing the timing chain when installing a new cam. But is it recomended to also replace the timing chain camshaft gear and lower gear?

[Dominic]

I spoke to you on MSN about this, and this shouldn't be necessary so long no teeth are chipped due to a previous problem the engine may have had... Since your engine is running fine this is likely not the case and you're fine sticking with the stock gears.

However, I am interested in what other people recommend - and am giving you a ttt.

[blue95]

I wanna hear this too....

[Guardsman]

I would say it depends on how much the gears cost, and what the current gears look like. If the current ones look good, and you haven't beaten the engine, they should be fine.
However, if you can pick up a set of new stock or aftermarket (reputable company) ones for a decent price, I would say go ahead and change them, it's just one less thing to worry about 50,000 miles down the road.
If you beat on the engine pretty hard (I mean frequent racing, full-throttle burnouts around every corner, overheated the engine, etc.), then definately change them.
I had a 79 Cutlass with a 305 that spun two bearings. The best I can tell, the timing chain jumped (there was about 3/8" of play in it), causing serious problems of course, one of which was that it burned or blew all the oil out, and spun two bearings. It was the timing chain that went that time, but if one of the timing chain gears goes, you're looking at the same possibilities - serious engine damage.

[Magnus]

I'd change just the chain. The gears should be fine.

[Shadly]

Sometimes you can get a timing set for around the same price as a timing chain. In that case, it would definitely be worth it. Just gotta shop.