MrEarl

Stock 403 engine in a '79 Buick Estate wagon with 137,000 miles. Needing to replace original timing chain and looking for recommendations for timing gear set and possibly a distributor, types, name brands etc. Re timing gear set, should I go with more than is currently there such as a double roller, billet etc etc. On the distributor, I prefer not to have to send mine out for a rebuild so what would be a good pretty much stock replacement. Frequently pulling a 4,500 lb trailer with the car if that makes a difference.
Thanks
Lamar

Sugar Bear

A stock GM HEI is rather trouble free, a big plus when towing. I'd suggest getting a used one and have it rebuilt and tuned by a small distributor rebuilding specialist. If you get one from a big box parts store all bets are off for the advance curve and quality of parts, it's like a remanufactured carb providing mediocre performance at best vs the original being made and tuned for the car.

Members here know of good distributor rebuilders.

Good luck!!!

MrEarl

>>>If you get one from a big box parts store all bets are off for the advance curve and quality of parts, it's like a remanufactured carb providing mediocre performance at best vs the original being made and tuned for the car.<<<
Thanks Sugar Bear. Geez, you been peeping in my garage window or something? LOL I just went through buying a remanufactured carb, no good, seller replaced it, no good again. Had a local old school carb guy rebuild MY old carb and it ran like a scalded dog.
Maybe there's a rebuilder who could furnish and rebuild one? Or I guess I could send mine off, depending on turnaround time.