Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67pro-street · 05-07-2007, 08:50 PM

i have always wanted to install a gear drive on my truck, but have never actually heard an engine with one installed nor have i ever heard of any real benefits from the installation. I was just wondering what you all thought of them. If i were to install one, i would probably go with a Pete Jackson (Noisy) gear drive. I usually only drive the truck in the summer time and during breaks when i come home from college. Will the noise become unbearable and cause me to rip my hair out for performing the swap, or is it a pretty cool switch. (BTW i have a 383 stroker with dual flowmaster 40's)

e rock · 05-07-2007, 09:17 PM

My new motor has a Pete Jackson quiet geardrive. I haven't started it yet, but it's supposed to be hardly noticeable (of course, the last car it was in also had dual Flowmaster 40's). I'll let you know in a day or two

cdowns · 05-07-2007, 09:33 PM

waste of time money and horsepower on a mild(less than 600HP) street engine

724x4a/cchevy · 05-07-2007, 09:36 PM

i think they are annoying...a constant wine that you cant get rid of easily. I dont think there are any horsepower "gains" from them. more of a dependability upgrade i think.

Overkill67 · 05-07-2007, 09:45 PM

more dependabilty and if you like the whine of a supercharger (old school s/c) then you'll like the noisy ones. Personaly for me nothing grabs my attention at a light like that sound.

72cheyennesuper20 · 05-07-2007, 09:45 PM

I say yay to quiet, nay to loud. Why have the blower sound without the blower?

randomhero472 · 05-07-2007, 09:47 PM

i've heard a few cars, and there is definatly a very distinct/LOUD whine... i would think it'd be neat for the first 10 miles, but would get very old very quick

Lated · 05-07-2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72cheyennesuper20

I say yay to quiet, nay to loud. Why have the blower sound without the blower?

Overkill67 · 05-07-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72cheyennesuper20

I say yay to quiet, nay to loud. Why have the blower sound without the blower?

In my case...... lack of funds lol

sjarrett71 · 05-07-2007, 10:14 PM

I listened to a buddy's the other day. It sounded pretty darn neat. He said it was the noisy one too and it was not too bad for me. I'm thinking about doing the switch.

1968SWBBigBlock · 05-07-2007, 10:15 PM

If you talk to engine builders most are not huge fans of the gear drives.
I for one love the sound. But like the others said if you drive it alot it can become annoying. Nothing like calling the cops in advance

You should invest in a heavy AL timing chain cover since you will have the idler gears with buttons that will ride up against the front cover. If your motor is not fresh PJ cautions you againt installation, I can not remember why but it is clearly stated on the instruction sheet.
It will cost you horsepower but you will gain the cool factor I think.

jmking9 · 05-07-2007, 10:22 PM

Ive got the quiet one on my 355. You can only hear it if youre standing in front of the truck. Sounds pretty good i think.

falvarez12001 · 05-07-2007, 10:24 PM

I have one on my SBC350. When I first gotten put on it was bitcchin. After a while it got pretty annoying, especcially if you get the noisey one. Just imagine, long tube headders with dual flowmaster, and a noisey gear drive, you can't even hear you radio, and forget about using your cell phone. I am currently looking at rebuilding my engine and the gear drive will not be comming back on it.

70c10 · 05-07-2007, 10:25 PM

I personally love that sound!

aaronfab · 05-07-2007, 10:28 PM

I have two Pete Jackson quiet gear drives. One in my 70 chev truck with dual 40 flow's and one in my 94 chev 'burban with one 50 flow. Because the Suburban is fairly quiet inside, the whine is more noticable and more annoying. The 70 just sounds cool and bad ass. I'd say with a 383 stroker and dual 40's go for it. Oh, by the way, the reason I run them is I'm hard on my rides and as long as you have oil in the engine, the gear drives will out last the rest of the engine. The 'burban gear drive set is the second engine that drive has been in.

Aaron

BigTruckDriver · 05-07-2007, 10:30 PM

Waste of time and money and could (very likely) cause more harm then good. Hey but thats just my OPINION.

kwhite4 · 05-07-2007, 10:40 PM

Only comment I have is if you decide to get one, please buy a good one Pete Jackson, Comp or the like. Dont waste your money on Ebay type stuff or I know you will not be happy.
I bought a cheaper version and thru it in the trash because it was JUNK.

Keith

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-07-2007, 10:43 PM

everybody always says they cost you hp and if thats true its minimal and just think of how much more reliable the timing will be with gears instead of a chain and i personally enjoy the sound and if you think the sound will get annoying to you then get one of the quieter ones but really in the end its your decision

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-07-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver

Waste of time and money and could (very likely) cause more harm then good. Hey but thats just my OPINION.

just wondering but what makes you say that they could cause more harm then good?

BigTruckDriver · 05-07-2007, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREASEMONKEY72

just wondering but what makes you say that they could cause more harm then good?

Harmonics ..............Then again if your just in it for the "WOW" factor then

eedgell · 05-07-2007, 11:09 PM

they are cool!!! Got one in my 70 SS Nova 377 stroker (std bore) and it is sweeeeet! Get more looks from that than anything else. Mine is a pete jackson quiet drive. Much better the the noisy ones. Dont want one in my DD, But if you like the sound of a small blower, you will like the quite drive. No chain stretch either!!! Flow masters and a gear drive, Oh yea babe!!

*Shane* · 05-07-2007, 11:47 PM

they are pretty *****in ... for about 5 minutes

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-07-2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver

Harmonics ..............Then again if your just in it for the "WOW" factor then

the harmonics in the engine as in the balance of the engine? and if so how would the gear drive hurt it?

RACINJASON22 · 05-08-2007, 12:20 AM

Man thats a tough one there. I do like the sound but boy it does get to ya after awhile.

I have actually taken an engine apart just to swap one back out in my Monte, and then turned around and tore my 1 camaro engine down just to put the same noisy thing in it, so go figure.

They do transfer harmonics more than a chain will just common friction steel to steel so to speak rather than the give of the chain Greasemonkey72. BUT if they cause damage from it there were other underlying problems to begin with IMO, that would have shown up sooner or later.

THEY ARE NOISY at least the Pete Jackson Noisy ones are. I don't think I personally would ever buy a noisy one again but I will probably install the quiet ones in the future. It all really comes down to what you want IMO. With your 40's you must like to make noise so why not

pharcydekm · 05-08-2007, 01:14 AM

My question since I am getting ready to order one of these. On a DD would you do a quiet or noisy and for what reasons? Does the quiet still make noise? Thank you for you input I have only run double rollers in the past.

05-07-2007, 08:50 PM	#1
67pro-street Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 218	Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? i have always wanted to install a gear drive on my truck, but have never actually heard an engine with one installed nor have i ever heard of any real benefits from the installation. I was just wondering what you all thought of them. If i were to install one, i would probably go with a Pete Jackson (Noisy) gear drive. I usually only drive the truck in the summer time and during breaks when i come home from college. Will the noise become unbearable and cause me to rip my hair out for performing the swap, or is it a pretty cool switch. (BTW i have a 383 stroker with dual flowmaster 40's)

05-07-2007, 09:17 PM	#2
e rock Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 87	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? My new motor has a Pete Jackson quiet geardrive. I haven't started it yet, but it's supposed to be hardly noticeable (of course, the last car it was in also had dual Flowmaster 40's). I'll let you know in a day or two

05-07-2007, 09:33 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? waste of time money and horsepower on a mild(less than 600HP) street engine __________________ 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

05-07-2007, 09:36 PM	#4
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? i think they are annoying...a constant wine that you cant get rid of easily. I dont think there are any horsepower "gains" from them. more of a dependability upgrade i think. __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

05-07-2007, 09:45 PM	#5
Overkill67 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Roselawn, Indiana Posts: 60	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? more dependabilty and if you like the whine of a supercharger (old school s/c) then you'll like the noisy ones. Personaly for me nothing grabs my attention at a light like that sound.

05-07-2007, 09:45 PM	#6
72cheyennesuper20 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Portland, OR. Posts: 414	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? I say yay to quiet, nay to loud. Why have the blower sound without the blower?

05-07-2007, 09:47 PM	#7
randomhero472 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 516	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? i've heard a few cars, and there is definatly a very distinct/LOUD whine... i would think it'd be neat for the first 10 miles, but would get very old very quick __________________ 67' in the "build" process.. soon to be bagged, big wheels ect, finally got it back home!!

05-07-2007, 10:14 PM	#10
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? I listened to a buddy's the other day. It sounded pretty darn neat. He said it was the noisy one too and it was not too bad for me. I'm thinking about doing the switch. __________________ -Scott-

05-07-2007, 10:15 PM	#11
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? If you talk to engine builders most are not huge fans of the gear drives. I for one love the sound. But like the others said if you drive it alot it can become annoying. Nothing like calling the cops in advance You should invest in a heavy AL timing chain cover since you will have the idler gears with buttons that will ride up against the front cover. If your motor is not fresh PJ cautions you againt installation, I can not remember why but it is clearly stated on the instruction sheet. It will cost you horsepower but you will gain the cool factor I think. __________________ 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

05-07-2007, 10:22 PM	#12
jmking9 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Riverton KS Posts: 832	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? Ive got the quiet one on my 355. You can only hear it if youre standing in front of the truck. Sounds pretty good i think.

05-07-2007, 10:24 PM	#13
falvarez12001 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Antonio , TX Posts: 140	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? I have one on my SBC350. When I first gotten put on it was bitcchin. After a while it got pretty annoying, especcially if you get the noisey one. Just imagine, long tube headders with dual flowmaster, and a noisey gear drive, you can't even hear you radio, and forget about using your cell phone. I am currently looking at rebuilding my engine and the gear drive will not be comming back on it. __________________ Why, Because it's my truck 1972 Chevy Longhorn, Dropped 4-7 1984 Chevy Shortbed custom Deluxe (Daily Driver)

05-07-2007, 10:25 PM	#14
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? I personally love that sound! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

05-07-2007, 10:28 PM	#15
aaronfab Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: cedar rapids, iowa Posts: 58	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? I have two Pete Jackson quiet gear drives. One in my 70 chev truck with dual 40 flow's and one in my 94 chev 'burban with one 50 flow. Because the Suburban is fairly quiet inside, the whine is more noticable and more annoying. The 70 just sounds cool and bad ass. I'd say with a 383 stroker and dual 40's go for it. Oh, by the way, the reason I run them is I'm hard on my rides and as long as you have oil in the engine, the gear drives will out last the rest of the engine. The 'burban gear drive set is the second engine that drive has been in. Aaron __________________ Check out my site at: http://aaronfab.com/

05-07-2007, 10:30 PM	#16
BigTruckDriver Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dallas Posts: 156	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? Waste of time and money and could (very likely) cause more harm then good. Hey but thats just my OPINION.

05-07-2007, 10:40 PM	#17
kwhite4 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gatesville texas Posts: 180	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? Only comment I have is if you decide to get one, please buy a good one Pete Jackson, Comp or the like. Dont waste your money on Ebay type stuff or I know you will not be happy. I bought a cheaper version and thru it in the trash because it was JUNK. Keith __________________ 68 GMC 565 BBC Abruzzi super pro glide 9.85@135.00



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05-07-2007, 10:43 PM	#18
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? everybody always says they cost you hp and if thats true its minimal and just think of how much more reliable the timing will be with gears instead of a chain and i personally enjoy the sound and if you think the sound will get annoying to you then get one of the quieter ones but really in the end its your decision __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-07-2007, 11:09 PM	#21
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? they are cool!!! Got one in my 70 SS Nova 377 stroker (std bore) and it is sweeeeet! Get more looks from that than anything else. Mine is a pete jackson quiet drive. Much better the the noisy ones. Dont want one in my DD, But if you like the sound of a small blower, you will like the quite drive. No chain stretch either!!! Flow masters and a gear drive, Oh yea babe!! __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

05-07-2007, 11:47 PM	#22
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? they are pretty *****in ... for about 5 minutes

05-08-2007, 12:20 AM	#24
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? Man thats a tough one there. I do like the sound but boy it does get to ya after awhile. I have actually taken an engine apart just to swap one back out in my Monte, and then turned around and tore my 1 camaro engine down just to put the same noisy thing in it, so go figure. They do transfer harmonics more than a chain will just common friction steel to steel so to speak rather than the give of the chain Greasemonkey72. BUT if they cause damage from it there were other underlying problems to begin with IMO, that would have shown up sooner or later. THEY ARE NOISY at least the Pete Jackson Noisy ones are. I don't think I personally would ever buy a noisy one again but I will probably install the quiet ones in the future. It all really comes down to what you want IMO. With your 40's you must like to make noise so why not __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR! Last edited by RACINJASON22; 05-08-2007 at 01:17 AM.

05-08-2007, 01:14 AM	#25
pharcydekm Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Englewood, CO Posts: 146	Re: Gear Drives...Yay or Nay? My question since I am getting ready to order one of these. On a DD would you do a quiet or noisy and for what reasons? Does the quiet still make noise? Thank you for you input I have only run double rollers in the past. Last edited by pharcydekm; 05-08-2007 at 01:15 AM.

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