What's so special about a double roller timing chain vs. the stock link belt type? I've always heard that a Cloyes double roller timing chain was the way to go, but Cloyes has 5 different sets to chose from; Street True, Street Billet, Race True, Race Billet. And if that's not confusing enough, there is the option to order an undersized chain for "reduced center distance for align honed applications." Does align honing the mains require a shortened chain? I had never heard of this until I read through the Cloyes HP catalog.

 

Short version is they reduce friction and stretch. And yes, line honing can make it so the chain will never have the proper tension on it.

 

When line boring/honing, the ideal method is to machine the cap mating surfaces and then line bore such that the cut is taken from the cap, not the block side of the bore. This isn't always practical, but if it can be done, it prevents moving the crank centerline upward in the block and thus prevents changing the chain length.

 

The Street Roller is a nice set but I should spent the extra $20 for the billet set. I believe the Race Billet has the better chain.

 

Hey guys
The chain isn't any shorter on a timing set for an excessively align honed blocks. The sprockets are slighter larger to take up any potential slack. ALL the chains are the same length.
Use the billet 9 keyway, it's the best of the lot for the money.

 

What are the advantages of the billet set over the street roller for a street engine? I know it's only $20 more, but I'd like to understand what the extra $20 will get me besides a lighter wallet.

 

Material, better chain and 9 keyways instead of just 3.