[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by Cliff R

Not sure about the stamping but don't underestimate the offshore stuff as far as making it look like the real thing. To get and boost sales the Chinese are doing a very good job these days of cloning just about everything, including putting trade mark stampings on them, although I'm sure you are correct about a timing chain as there wouldn't be that big of a market and no need so copy the stamp then have it end up being sold in a Cloyes box right to start with.

I haven't seen a factory type timing chain in some time that had a "MORSE" stamping right on the links but most of my old-stock sets has it.

I'd add here that buying "old stock" isn't always a home-run. I ended up with one chain from as set made in the 1970's that says "JAPAN" right on the links.

I go on these threads to educate folks, not to "push" factory timing sets. Just about everyone in this hobby, engine builder or hobbyist and everyone in between still thinks that a "double roller" timing chain and "high volume" oil pump are "upgrades" for your engine build. Actually nothing could be further from the truth depending on the parts you actually choose. Many "low" end timing sets aren't that great and for most applications about all a high volume/high pressure oil pump does is work the distributor gear and oil pump drive shaft much harder, plus it robs a little power from the assembly........FWIW.....Cliff

Agreed, except for the part "all a high volume/high pressure oil pump does is work the distributor gear and oil pump drive shaft much harder, plus it robs a little power from the assembly..." , that I say is 'old school' thinking, or out of habit/mimicking what has been said for many years.

First, all the large tube oil pumps are high volume, and second, many shim the pump to get 65-70 psi anyway. And as stated by Melling themselves, the '60' pump actually makes 50 psi, and the '80' pump make 70. So if you 'blueprint' or 'do the mods' to the pump, there is no difference in psi or volume.

We as Pontiac enthusiasts need to stop pushing that dogma for the sake of the community. Especially now that many are moving to HYD roller setups. Many of the low RPM/idle 'tick' experienced is due to low psi at idle. Newer parts, cranks, rods, etc, use wider clearances, so the actual running oil psi needs the pump output to be compensated.

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