Single roller timing chain vs double roller?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 66
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Single roller timing chain vs double roller? I am wondering what the benefits of each are and which to use? I would assume the double roller would be stronger but I have read numerous threads about clearance issues and issues with belt alignment afterwards from the crank pulley being spaced out and issues with getting the pickup tube to fit.
I would settle for something like a single roller rollmaster chain but I’ve also read people saying that higher spring pressures can break a single chain. I am currently running cam motions .660 springs, my seat pressure is somewhere around 150 lbs and open pressure is around 380 lbs. Would a single chain work in my scenario or should I go for a double roller setup?
I would settle for something like a single roller rollmaster chain but I’ve also read people saying that higher spring pressures can break a single chain. I am currently running cam motions .660 springs, my seat pressure is somewhere around 150 lbs and open pressure is around 380 lbs. Would a single chain work in my scenario or should I go for a double roller setup?
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
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From: Central Cal.
The generic LS2-style single roller chain is plenty for most LS applications.
The need for double rollers originated in the Gen I SBC where the cam not only was grinding against flat tappets, it ALSO had a distributor (not a big load) and oil pump (much bigger load) to turn. A much higher torque load under those conditions!
The need for double rollers originated in the Gen I SBC where the cam not only was grinding against flat tappets, it ALSO had a distributor (not a big load) and oil pump (much bigger load) to turn. A much higher torque load under those conditions!
I agree. I did run a double roller on my Darton 427 back in 2005-2006. The only advantage to running a double would be if you got a bad/defective new chain. At least you have a second one. But Gary is right, they have proven to be unnecessary on the 3rd gen SBCs...
Single chain is all that is needed. I’ve built a few solid roller LS engines with big valve springs…500lb over the nose…and only use single chain, quality billet timing sets.
The generic LS2-style single roller chain is plenty for most LS applications.
The need for double rollers originated in the Gen I SBC where the cam not only was grinding against flat tappets, it ALSO had a distributor (not a big load) and oil pump (much bigger load) to turn. A much higher torque load under those conditions!
The need for double rollers originated in the Gen I SBC where the cam not only was grinding against flat tappets, it ALSO had a distributor (not a big load) and oil pump (much bigger load) to turn. A much higher torque load under those conditions!
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,290
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From: Central Cal.
TECH Enthusiast
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Breaking the chain Hi, I have "tested" Timing Chains by using a machine that would simulate a crankshaft gear and a cam gear with a turning motion.
I found that the German made Single chain was the strongest. The double-row chain would break in a communication link.
Lance
I found that the German made Single chain was the strongest. The double-row chain would break in a communication link.
Lance
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I installed a Cloyes double roller in the 2014 LSX build. It comes with spacers to offset the oil pump and no issues installing a factory or aftermarket pickup tube. You will have to do some minor clearancing to the boss for the cam position sensor on the timing chain cover but that's about it.
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I think that line of thinking was carried over from the SBC days.
Back in the day, a double roller was an upgrade over the single flat link style factory chain that would stretch as soon as you started it.
Now, not so much. As mentioned, the cam isn't driving a distributer, oil pump, flat tappet lifters and a mechanical fuel pump.
The quality of todays single chain is no comparison to the single flat link either.
Back in the day, a double roller was an upgrade over the single flat link style factory chain that would stretch as soon as you started it.
Now, not so much. As mentioned, the cam isn't driving a distributer, oil pump, flat tappet lifters and a mechanical fuel pump.
The quality of todays single chain is no comparison to the single flat link either.
This is a good thread with thoughtful responses. I hadn't really considered all of the additional loads back in SB1 days. Single roller it is! Probably upgrade to the Cam Motion chain for insurance