AMC360 Budget Build w/343 Pistons

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Sorry, I guess I wasn't very clear. I am aware that the oil slot issue must be corrected on any timing set. My question was whether the true double roller design was less prone to stretch or wear than a Morse style setup like the SA set your customer supplied for this build.

That is a good question.. I don't claim to be a timing chain expert at all but, I have noticed and have been surprised how much the double roller chains stretch without having too many miles on them. However, those were in engines that were drag raced and ran hard. Counter to that, I have noticed that the replacement single roller-type doesn't seem to streatch as much with more miles on them.... in a normal usage engine. The problem is, I am compairing apples to oranges in the two different type of engine usage. Sorry but, don't have a definitive answer on that one.

[DarkMonohue]

No problem. It would be tough to get an objective sample with such different usage.

[babywag]

What style is the stock chain in say '86-up motors.
Every one I've had apart was stretched a bunch.

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What style is the stock chain in say '86-up motors.
Every one I've had apart was stretched a bunch.

I was thinking that they were all the same with the nylon gears with exception of the heavy duy stuff. Like I mentioned, they were a consumable component like valve seals. You replaced them at like 60,000 miles. No different than todays engines with timing belts (except they go 3-4 times longer) LOL!

[babywag]

I believe they stopped using nylon gears in 80's?
Last 2 I had apart had OE part#'s and were not nylon.
('86 & '88)

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I believe they stopped using nylon gears in 80's?
Last 2 I had apart had OE part#'s and were not nylon.
('86 & '88)

Looks like you are right and my assumption is wrong.. I will clean this up when I get all of the info but here are some of the part numbers and notes.

Yes, It appears they did change. Current (1991) Numbers are:
J3234234 Cam Sprocket .50” Wide Steel Gear
J3234235 Crank Sprocket
J3234433 Chain

J3223199 Crank Sprocket .62” Wide
J3197138 Cam Sprocket is .62” Wide.

J3185270 is the oldest Chain no idea
J8134343 is .62” Wide (31834343) Nylon Gear

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Back on track now. I watched the Machinist check the balance of the crank after I whittled on it and it was OK, better than stock. He didn't even charge me for it. Next, is detailing the timing cover etc. etc.

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Water pump, timing cover, oil pick-up screen, and oil pan installed last night.

[DarkMonohue]

Looking good. Is that the real-deal AMC paint you were gauging support for in another thread?

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Looking good. Is that the real-deal AMC paint you were gauging support for in another thread?

No, it is a generic Dupli-Color engine color called "Torque 'N' Teal". I am using it as a base coat under the AMC engine blue color . The stuff covers really well. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/shw-de1643/overview/

I traded emails with Amark, the vendor who was supplying the Late '73-'83 AMC Engine color and he is re-stocking. So, I refer people to go to him now.

http://www.amarkamc.com/product.sc?productId=328

[DarkMonohue]

Thanks. I have had good results with a lot of Dupli-Color products in the past. That is probably close enough for a beater pickup. Either way, it will be interesting to compare it to the correct color once you get it applied.

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Final torqued the timing cover bolts, oil pan bolts, and got the heads bolted on. Got a coat of paint on it too!

[Nikkormat]

It's been 10 days... How does it run!

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I know! life got in the way and I won't be able to get back on it until next week....

[Bearman]

I have a mechanic friend that has been telling me I would be much happier with my engine if I got the compression up. When I showed him your your write up he was really braggin on it. I plan to do the piston swap on my 360 like yours. Thanks for taking the time to do a write up and making it simple so people like me understand what's going on.