Anyone replace a timing chain with a timing gear

[71monacomoparmechanic]

I'm putting a cam in a 71 383 engine and bought a summit timing gear set to replace the chain. The instructions suck. They are for chevy small and big block and big block chrysler. Does the 2 idle gear dog bone just float between the crank and cam gear? I dont see how its fastened down. Any advice or info appreciated. Thanks

 

[68PK21 440.6bbl]

From the Summit video, "It just floats".

Summit Racing® Gear Drives SUM-G6715

(edit)
From the instructions, sounds like a fun time.

"9. Grind camshaft thrust bearing face as to provide the required .005”-.010” endplay clearance."

"Power Idler axle must NOT touch block, grind of if necessary for at least .005” end clearance."

 

[71monacomoparmechanic]

Yes lots of fun lol. How hard can it be....

 

[Big_John]

I remember when Pete Jackson brought out those gear drives in the 70's. I can't say that I was impressed with them. The idler gear set just kinda floats around between the gears. IMHO, just not a good setup and not a replacement for the real gear drives. IIRC, it was aimed at guys that wanted the gear drive sound rather than any performance gains.

IMHO, you're better off with a chain drive. I remember reading (70's) the Bill Jenkins book and he liked the idea of isolating the crank from the cam. He was even going so far as using the silent chain in a lot of his pro stock motors. I think the chain will give more accurate timing... and that is the sole reason for gear drive, to give accurate cam timing.