Gear drive or not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 09-30-2009, 10:31 AM

Got all my componets ready to build my 406 small block.The motor should produce about 550horses to the flywheel. What do you guys think about noisy gear drives? Would you use one or a double roller chain. Had a pete jackson drive on my 67 big block and loved it but want some opinions about how you like the noise.....

cdowns · 09-30-2009, 11:38 AM

IMO theres better things to spend money on

**Classic Heartbeat** · 09-30-2009, 11:54 AM

I think that they are ok for a truck that isn't driven verry mutch, but for a daily driver they can be obnoxious. Most people that I know that install gear drives, change them out for roller chains soon after. WES

hayhauler71 · 09-30-2009, 12:04 PM

Had mine in for 4 years and i like the noise but most of all i never have chain stretch to affect my timing or performance.

68Stepbed · 09-30-2009, 12:27 PM

I personally don't like them. My dad put one in his 83 Elky. It was cool until the prestige of it wore off. Now it's just annoying. I've also heard some reputable engine builders say there's no real benefit to them. They actually rob performance because gears are heavier than chains. I personally don't think there's enough difference to notice though. A quality double roller will last as long as your engine does and have the same results at half the cost. Just without all the noise.

If you just like the noise, then go for it. If someone else doesn't like it, well...... It's YOUR truck. Do what YOU want.

mr48chev · 09-30-2009, 12:34 PM

Ok if you and your passenger (s) can stand the noise. Personally I think that they are one of those "hey look at me" things like running open hedders at rod runs or shows. The cool wears off real quick. I've got a junk alternator out in the shed that makes almost the same noise for free.

69GMCLonghorn · 09-30-2009, 01:30 PM

My opinion of gear drives is they're for people that can't afford a BLOWER! So why not save up your pennies and when you can afford it, slap a B & M on that bad boy and have a 700 HP wheelie stander!!

QKENUF4U · 09-30-2009, 02:00 PM

loved it on my 68 camaro.....

1968SWBBigBlock · 09-30-2009, 02:50 PM

It is strictly a personal issue - If you like it run it - if not don't.
They wont buy you much (espcially on a street motor) but they will NOT hurt your performance or your motor at all.
I was at Don Garlitts Museum last week - in the displays is a Smokey Yunick built small block chevy with a pete jackson gear drive, for it's time it was the fastest small block chevy any place.
I have one in my 454 and to be honest in the cab I can hardly hear it - does not bother me in the least.

PowerPro · 09-30-2009, 02:59 PM

Aside from the noise, i'd think you'd have a lot more friction with a gear drive vs a double roller chain. I've never ran gears simply because of the noise. Also, on a Cummins i was working on (they run gear drive for all the accessories), a small piece of metal somehow ended up getting in between 2 of the gears and caused the camshaft to break into 3 pieces. Granted, we're talkin a lot more power with a 5.9 cummins, but... the potential is there. Just my .02

russj67 · 09-30-2009, 03:37 PM

I agree with it getting old. I had one on my 72 and loved it at first. Then I started to miss the sound of the engine rumbling.

*2tons of fun* · 10-01-2009, 11:35 PM

they also make it hard to hear suspect ticking and rattles. overall they get old, fast.

westofb · 10-02-2009, 12:03 AM

Don't they make "quiet and noisey" versions of the gear drive? I am have never been around them personally except at car shows...in my opinion I think the noise they make is annoying and distracts your attention away from the sound of the exhaust. I too think you could spend your money on better things, double roller timing chains are plenty reliable and much more wallet friendly.

**tkeduk8r** · 10-02-2009, 04:57 PM

inline sixes have run them FOREVER from the factory, along with most tractor engines since the 1920's-1970's... If installed right your timing will be very consistent, but the trade off is more friction between components and may hurt your mileage "a bit". I am not a fan of the whine, but I am a fan of consistent timing... I am seriously debating putting one in my 3/4 4x4 build (not sure if its going to be a sb or bb at this time ???)....
--Mike

BCOWANWHEELS · 10-02-2009, 05:55 PM

Cant beat a double roller chain. And that gear whine from a gear drive is very kiddie to me. It also robs hp. A chain frees everything up. Now if you have max valve spring pressures thats another thing. Jmo
bob

mclairmo · 10-02-2009, 06:51 PM

Stuff like that is cool at first but as you get older and wiser and your tolerance for annoyances goes down you will hate it. Stick with roller chain.

bad6772 · 10-02-2009, 06:55 PM

I love mine....I dont drive it everyday...So I could see where it may bother some who do drive daily....I did mine for me...I didnt build my truck for any one but me... and I could afford a blower...

*highperf4x4* · 10-02-2009, 10:44 PM

A gear drive is by far better than a chain drive. A double roller timing chain will probably do just fine and they are pretty durable themselves. However, a gear does not have any "slack" in it. A gear drive also does not rob any performance.

If for any reason you encounter an oil issue the gears will suffer a ton more abuse than the chain will.

If your question is whether or not to run a "noisy" gear drive then I'd have to say it depends on whether this is a daily driver or not. You will probably get tired of the noise day in and day out. It's alot like the high slam B&M shift kits. They get old just cruising around town.

Contrary to popular belief, gear drives are not intended to make noise. If you don't want the noise just buy a regular one.

nuke1 · 10-02-2009, 11:05 PM

i love my gear drive, not that noisey at all, especially inside the truck, i got sick of roller chains stretching and having to replacethem all the time, i like the fact that i do not have to check for chain slack, my timing is bang on ALL the time and it gives a sublte hint to what is under my hood. check out the second last page of my build for a vid of the gear drive in action.

*highperf4x4* · 10-02-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuke1

i love my gear drive, not that noisey at all, especially inside the truck, i got sick of roller chains stretching and having to replacethem all the time, i like the fact that i do not have to check for chain slack, my timing is bang on ALL the time and it gives a sublte hint to what is under my hood. check out the second last page of my build for a vid of the gear drive in action.

Yes! by all means, take a look at it!

I'm jealous........

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 10-02-2009, 11:25 PM

I love mine but I dont think id do it in a daily driver.... Heres a short vid of mine to kinda show ya what it sounds like?

YouTube - 454 in 7deuce

QKENUF4U · 10-03-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

I love mine but I dont think id do it in a daily driver.... Heres a short vid of mine to kinda show ya what it sounds like?
YouTube - 454 in 7deuce

its LOUD there cause its in the open and that mic is sensative.... in the truck, under the hood etc. and they are NOT THAT BAD... but sound AWESOME to the onlooker...

bad6772 · 10-03-2009, 02:44 AM

YouTube - MVI 2140

YouTube - MVI 2483

Mine The first one is with open headers...When LHM and Byrd came out.

Second is right after I did the exhaust........

unclewatts · 10-03-2009, 03:06 AM

BTW, you can also get a BELT drive for SBC and BBC that's really quiet from Summit.

tomtuna1978 · 10-03-2009, 03:24 AM

dude !!! i highly suggest against the gear drive !!! ive got 1 in 2 of my trucks( a 69 long bed c10 454, and a 79 c10 4x4 short bed 350), and both are so loud that i can hear them over the exhaust( the 79 has doug theroy try-y headers with a y into a single flowmaster 2 1/2 in. dumped 12 in after the flow and the 69 has hookers with 3 1/2 inch exhaust with flowmaster40 series dumped after the axle), dont do it !!! wish they wouldhave done chains !!!

09-30-2009, 10:31 AM	#1
BADPURPLE70CHEVY 406 Powered Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: waynesville,n.c. Posts: 877	Gear drive or not? Got all my componets ready to build my 406 small block.The motor should produce about 550horses to the flywheel. What do you guys think about noisy gear drives? Would you use one or a double roller chain. Had a pete jackson drive on my 67 big block and loved it but want some opinions about how you like the noise..... __________________ 70 GMC 68 c10 2002 silverado 72 4x4

09-30-2009, 11:38 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Gear drive or not? IMO theres better things to spend money on __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-30-2009, 11:54 AM	#3
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Gear drive or not? I think that they are ok for a truck that isn't driven verry mutch, but for a daily driver they can be obnoxious. Most people that I know that install gear drives, change them out for roller chains soon after. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

09-30-2009, 12:04 PM	#4
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: Gear drive or not? Had mine in for 4 years and i like the noise but most of all i never have chain stretch to affect my timing or performance.

09-30-2009, 12:27 PM	#5
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: Gear drive or not? I personally don't like them. My dad put one in his 83 Elky. It was cool until the prestige of it wore off. Now it's just annoying. I've also heard some reputable engine builders say there's no real benefit to them. They actually rob performance because gears are heavier than chains. I personally don't think there's enough difference to notice though. A quality double roller will last as long as your engine does and have the same results at half the cost. Just without all the noise. If you just like the noise, then go for it. If someone else doesn't like it, well...... It's YOUR truck. Do what YOU want. __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system Last edited by 68Stepbed; 09-30-2009 at 12:28 PM.

09-30-2009, 12:34 PM	#6
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,500	Re: Gear drive or not? Ok if you and your passenger (s) can stand the noise. Personally I think that they are one of those "hey look at me" things like running open hedders at rod runs or shows. The cool wears off real quick. I've got a junk alternator out in the shed that makes almost the same noise for free.

09-30-2009, 01:30 PM	#7
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: Gear drive or not? My opinion of gear drives is they're for people that can't afford a BLOWER! So why not save up your pennies and when you can afford it, slap a B & M on that bad boy and have a 700 HP wheelie stander!!

09-30-2009, 02:00 PM	#8
QKENUF4U Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA Posts: 2,097	Re: Gear drive or not? loved it on my 68 camaro.....

09-30-2009, 02:50 PM	#9
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Gear drive or not? It is strictly a personal issue - If you like it run it - if not don't. They wont buy you much (espcially on a street motor) but they will NOT hurt your performance or your motor at all. I was at Don Garlitts Museum last week - in the displays is a Smokey Yunick built small block chevy with a pete jackson gear drive, for it's time it was the fastest small block chevy any place. I have one in my 454 and to be honest in the cab I can hardly hear it - does not bother me in the least. __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

09-30-2009, 02:59 PM	#10
PowerPro Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 68	Re: Gear drive or not? Aside from the noise, i'd think you'd have a lot more friction with a gear drive vs a double roller chain. I've never ran gears simply because of the noise. Also, on a Cummins i was working on (they run gear drive for all the accessories), a small piece of metal somehow ended up getting in between 2 of the gears and caused the camshaft to break into 3 pieces. Granted, we're talkin a lot more power with a 5.9 cummins, but... the potential is there. Just my .02 __________________ 1970 C20 LWB Fleetside with a 472 Caddy engine! TH400 Restoration in progress 07 Yamaha 650 V-Star Custom 83 Honda V-45 Magna Last edited by PowerPro; 09-30-2009 at 03:00 PM.

09-30-2009, 03:37 PM	#11
russj67 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Scappoose, OR Posts: 157	Re: Gear drive or not? I agree with it getting old. I had one on my 72 and loved it at first. Then I started to miss the sound of the engine rumbling. __________________ 67 Stepside Atomic Orange Fastburn 385 TH350 The wheels are fronts are 255-45-18 with 5" bs. 18x8 wheel rears are 295-45-20 with 5" bs. 20x10 wheel (barely fit) Budget: A method for going broke methodically. You only live once!

10-01-2009, 11:35 PM	#12
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: Gear drive or not? they also make it hard to hear suspect ticking and rattles. overall they get old, fast.

10-02-2009, 12:03 AM	#13
westofb I really hate wet sanding! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brookfield, MO Posts: 601	Re: Gear drive or not? Don't they make "quiet and noisey" versions of the gear drive? I am have never been around them personally except at car shows...in my opinion I think the noise they make is annoying and distracts your attention away from the sound of the exhaust. I too think you could spend your money on better things, double roller timing chains are plenty reliable and much more wallet friendly.

10-02-2009, 04:57 PM	#14
tkeduk8r Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Alexandria, MN Posts: 1,462	Re: Gear drive or not? inline sixes have run them FOREVER from the factory, along with most tractor engines since the 1920's-1970's... If installed right your timing will be very consistent, but the trade off is more friction between components and may hurt your mileage "a bit". I am not a fan of the whine, but I am a fan of consistent timing... I am seriously debating putting one in my 3/4 4x4 build (not sure if its going to be a sb or bb at this time ???).... --Mike __________________ 63 C20 2WD, 230/SM420/4.11 73K 68 C30 dump truck, 327,SM425,4.56 66K original 68 C10 2WD SWB Stepper, 250/3-tree/3.73 66K.... Wifes 68 Buick Skylark Custom Conv., 350/TH400/2.56 In our family since '79 69 GMC 1500 SWB 2WD, 350/TH350/3.73 posi... 70 K10 SWB 4X4 4-sp,ps, pb, tilt, buckets, console, sliding back window (Need AC parts) WIP 72 Chevy K20 4x4 350/350/205/4.56 donor 72 Vette 350/M21/3.70 posi, triple black and super fast 84 Olds Cutlass Brougham 350/2004r/4.11 was Dad's

10-02-2009, 05:55 PM	#15
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Gear drive or not? Cant beat a double roller chain. And that gear whine from a gear drive is very kiddie to me. It also robs hp. A chain frees everything up. Now if you have max valve spring pressures thats another thing. Jmo bob __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16



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10-02-2009, 06:51 PM	#16
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Gear drive or not? Stuff like that is cool at first but as you get older and wiser and your tolerance for annoyances goes down you will hate it. Stick with roller chain.

10-02-2009, 06:55 PM	#17
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,955	Re: Gear drive or not? I love mine....I dont drive it everyday...So I could see where it may bother some who do drive daily....I did mine for me...I didnt build my truck for any one but me... and I could afford a blower... Last edited by bad6772; 10-02-2009 at 06:56 PM.

10-02-2009, 10:44 PM	#18
highperf4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 4,709	Re: Gear drive or not? A gear drive is by far better than a chain drive. A double roller timing chain will probably do just fine and they are pretty durable themselves. However, a gear does not have any "slack" in it. A gear drive also does not rob any performance. If for any reason you encounter an oil issue the gears will suffer a ton more abuse than the chain will. If your question is whether or not to run a "noisy" gear drive then I'd have to say it depends on whether this is a daily driver or not. You will probably get tired of the noise day in and day out. It's alot like the high slam B&M shift kits. They get old just cruising around town. Contrary to popular belief, gear drives are not intended to make noise. If you don't want the noise just buy a regular one.

10-02-2009, 11:05 PM	#19
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: Gear drive or not? i love my gear drive, not that noisey at all, especially inside the truck, i got sick of roller chains stretching and having to replacethem all the time, i like the fact that i do not have to check for chain slack, my timing is bang on ALL the time and it gives a sublte hint to what is under my hood. check out the second last page of my build for a vid of the gear drive in action. __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

10-03-2009, 03:06 AM	#24
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Gear drive or not? BTW, you can also get a BELT drive for SBC and BBC that's really quiet from Summit. __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

10-03-2009, 03:24 AM	#25
tomtuna1978 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bend,Oregon Posts: 225	Re: Gear drive or not? dude !!! i highly suggest against the gear drive !!! ive got 1 in 2 of my trucks( a 69 long bed c10 454, and a 79 c10 4x4 short bed 350), and both are so loud that i can hear them over the exhaust( the 79 has doug theroy try-y headers with a y into a single flowmaster 2 1/2 in. dumped 12 in after the flow and the 69 has hookers with 3 1/2 inch exhaust with flowmaster40 series dumped after the axle), dont do it !!! wish they wouldhave done chains !!!

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