Timing Chains, Cam Locks, Cam Buttons ?

[PHOENIX]

Heres a bunch more questions I need answers for

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Timing Chain:
If I have to buy a timing chain do I want a roller type?

If so I will check gm dealer for original type or get one of these, what do you guys think about original and these?
Edelbrock Performer-Link
Cloyes Gear True Roller
Crane Cams Roller

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Cam Lock Plates:
All these do is prevent the cam bolts from coming loose?
Are these a good cheap investment ($5) or should I not worry about these at all?

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Camshaft Buttons:
I understand these are supposed to hold the camshaft into place and not allow it to move. So these install between the cam gear and timing cover?
The crane cam roller timing chain set above comes with a "thrust bearing", is this the same as a button?
This part confusing me a little because there are different types and sizes.
How do I know what I need, from what I am looking at it seems as if they change depending on the cam gear, and timing cover.

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As always any comments and help is appreciated here.

Thanks, Eddie

[swervin ervin]

I have the Edelbrock chain set. It's been good to me.

I also use a cam gear bolt lock. Cheap insurance if you ask me.

You don't need a cam button. They are made for roller cams.

[Captkaos]

Mike covered the basics for you, so I won't repeat.
I use Cloyes timing chains exclusively on all my motors.

[PHOENIX]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses.
Ill go with the Edelbrock if need be because its cheaper ($45), but if for some reason its not in stock or something Ill go with the slightly more expensive Cloyes ($67).
Chris: Is there a particular reason you exclusively use the Cloyes?

[Captkaos]

Because they have a great reputation for quality and I haven't had a problem with them stretching. BTW, I think Cloyes makes Edelbrocks Timing chains.... yep, they do: http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/timingchains.html

[PHOENIX]

Ill take that as good news.
How come the edelbrock above is $22 cheaper then the cloyes above?
The cloyes is a double chain?
I dont know jack about timing chains so stick with me

Is the Cloyes worth the extra $22 in this case (copared to that edelbrock)?

Mike is running a much stronger engine then I am and he has not had problems with his Edelbrock ( made by cloyes ) so I am sure the $45 edelbrock will be just fine. I am just curious about this stuff and want to learn.

Also what causes the timing chains to stretch?
Will the more expensive ones last much longer, if so about how many miles more could you expect?

Thanks for all the help Chris.

[Captkaos]

I think the difference is you are comparing a Edelbrok replacment to a Cloyes perf. You can get replacement Cloyes True roller for $20, and get 3 keyway settings:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...LO%2DC%2D3023X

Is it worth the extra $22, only if you want the higher grade timing chain. No sure what one Mike is running, so... I use the one you listed though.

stretch - Usually it is how it is made and how the links are pinned/bushed together that causes them to stretch. In reality, the don't actually stretch, they elongate the bushing/pins that hold the links and therefore lengthen the chain. Cloyes has been making chains for 70+ years, so they definitely have the experience. I think you would be fine getting the cheaper version, just make sure you get a true roller, and I would avoid factory replacement (Just my opinion)

Edit: wrong link