timing gear

[arkoza63]

I have a 82 sub with a 350 hd vin code M. i am new to chevys and was wondering if the timing gear mite be all steel, instead of coated aluminum, since it is a heavy duty engine? I have a long trip cumming up and don't want problens. money is tite and would rather not spend on a timing set' but will if needed for pease of mind. i don't know the milage of the best, speedo cable was broke when i bought it a few mounths ago.

[ccz145a]

It has been my experience that all stock timing gears mid 70's and 80's were vinyl coated steel, BB and SB, never tore apart a six though. That said, you shouldn't be thinking about changing the gears unless there is something wrong (like you're timing chain jumped a tooth or something or the timing is fluctuating like the gears are worn).

Is there a miss or roughness you can't diagnose?

[Captkaos]

Ditto on the above.
If it isn't broken, don't fix it.  My 90 suburban has 370K miles on it, unless something serious happens I don't plan to go into the motor.

[arkoza63]

thanks for the info. the burb high millage. this is a preventive mantiance issue, as this is our only vehicle for now. she runs fine now. new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. the carb was replaced by the previous owner, but it is the wrong one, will replace with an eddlebrock at a later date. '82 burb c 20 350 4sd man.

[ccz145a]

The valve train on the chevy v8 does not normally fail suddenly without warning. The gears were coated for noise suppression, and I always change them to solid steel when I have to tear into it, but I would not go in just to change them.

Good luck on your trip and keep the shiny side up.

[arkoza63]

thanks for the info.

i don't drink and drive. i might spill my drink!

[arkoza63]

up date. got back from the trip, everything went fine. my mileage was better than expected, was planing on 16 got 20 mpg. very happy with that.

[Lt.Del]

20 mpg is pretty darn good.  My 91 blue burb gets 16 if i am lucky....it is a 4x4 though.