What's everyone's opinion on cam gear drives? I'm currently buying parts for round two of my engine build up, and I really like the sound of a noisy gear drive. However, after researching it a little more, it seems that most people agree that a true roller or a double roller chain is better. Transfers less crank harmonics to the cam, less power loss due to drag, and is more reliable.

As much as I like the sound of gear drives, I think I'll be sticking with my double roller. Opinions?

 

You pretty much answered your own question. Guys who use gear drives on a street engine do it mostly for the "neat" blower-like whine. On a rebuilt engine, a good name brand roller chain should last a good long time.

 

When gear cam drives came out, they were touted as the thing to make cam and ignition timing more accurate and consistent. However; as was soon found out, crankshaft vibrations and twisting got passed on didrectly to the cam and distributor, thus making timing even more inconsistent. Timing belt kits reduce this problem, but because of space limitations the belts are on the narrow side and not really suitable for cams using heavy springs and very high RPM. And they make no noise.