3500S NADA Timing Chain

ECROVER

Member
Hi, can someone assist me with identifying the proper timing chain for a 1970 NADA 3500S? A quick search of the forums did not turn up an answer and the manual isn't with me. Are timing chain lengths the same for all P6 models? I assume they would be different based on engine size. Thanks for any help.
 
They are one of the parts which are shared with the US built engines. meaning most timing chain companies (Rollmaster et.al.) still sell them under the Rover 3500 name. note that standard chain and wheel sets are Morse chain whereas most aftermarket are double row roller chain. You can use either but you do need to ensure that you don't get the late (1990+) chainset that goes with the fancy injection engines.
 
Thanks Mike, appreciate the help. Can I ask if you think it would be necessary to change the timing chains on age alone since miles are unknown? The cooling system is apart so it seems prudent to me but my mechanic says they last a long time so might not be necessary.
Regards,
Jeff
 
They can last a very long time. The cam wheels wear a bit but the chains aren't known to break. If your mechanic thinks what is there is ok i'd leave it alone unless you are replacing the camshaft. Then only so all the parts are new.
 
They can last a very long time. The cam wheels wear a bit but the chains aren't known to break. If your mechanic thinks what is there is ok i'd leave it alone unless you are replacing the camshaft. Then only so all the parts are new.

The standard one won't really last a "long time" even if the engine is maintained impeccably. Sure it'll not fail as such but not only does the cam wheel wear, the chain develops slack remarkably quickly making accurate timing impossible. This can happen at well under 50,000 miles. This is the prime reason otherwise good engines lose power over time. There are a zillion Buick 215 options from the likes of Cloyes with superior duplex chains which will last as long as a good cam. (again aftermarket quality cams are known to substantially outlast the factory one)

If you've gone to the trouble of removing the timing cover and you have any doubts about the condition of anything, you can replace the oil pump (upgrade to the high capacity one), timing chain and crank seal for under £150. The timing chain is absurdly easy to replace too. It seem nuts to me NOT to do it, especially if you've bought the car in unknown condition.
 
I upgraded my timing gear and chain at 100k kms. I had taken the cover off to replace the water pump and upgrade the oil pump. The timing chain was very slack -so basically a no brainer to do the lot while in there. I used a Reel Steel unit out of the UK. Nothing different in size from any other RV8 timing chain , but an improved chain over the original 50yo one.
The old girl certainly responded next time out on the road.
 
The standard one won't really last a "long time" even if the engine is maintained impeccably. Sure it'll not fail as such but not only does the cam wheel wear, the chain develops slack remarkably quickly making accurate timing impossible. This can happen at well under 50,000 miles. This is the prime reason otherwise good engines lose power over time. There are a zillion Buick 215 options from the likes of Cloyes with superior duplex chains which will last as long as a good cam. (again aftermarket quality cams are known to substantially outlast the factory one)

If you've gone to the trouble of removing the timing cover and you have any doubts about the condition of anything, you can replace the oil pump (upgrade to the high capacity one), timing chain and crank seal for under £150. The timing chain is absurdly easy to replace too. It seem nuts to me NOT to do it, especially if you've bought the car in unknown condition.
The standard one won't really last a "long time" even if the engine is maintained impeccably. Sure it'll not fail as such but not only does the cam wheel wear, the chain develops slack remarkably quickly making accurate timing impossible. This can happen at well under 50,000 miles. This is the prime reason otherwise good engines lose power over time. There are a zillion Buick 215 options from the likes of Cloyes with superior duplex chains which will last as long as a good cam. (again aftermarket quality cams are known to substantially outlast the factory one)

If you've gone to the trouble of removing the timing cover and you have any doubts about the condition of anything, you can replace the oil pump (upgrade to the high capacity one), timing chain and crank seal for under £150. The timing chain is absurdly easy to replace too. It seem nuts to me NOT to do it, especially if you've bought the car in unknown condition.

Thank you Peter, sound advice. Makes sense, especially since the water pump was replaced and not put back together. I'm in the USA so can I use the more common Buick 215 options available here without issue? Same with the oil pump? Understand the 3500S NADA has the same engine but my inexperience causes me to be cautious. Some great parts providers in the UK but the shipping is usually quite expensive as I well know. Thanks for the help.
 
I upgraded my timing gear and chain at 100k kms. I had taken the cover off to replace the water pump and upgrade the oil pump. The timing chain was very slack -so basically a no brainer to do the lot while in there. I used a Reel Steel unit out of the UK. Nothing different in size from any other RV8 timing chain , but an improved chain over the original 50yo one.
The old girl certainly responded next time out on the road.
Appreciate you sharing your experience GRTV8, thanks. It would be smart of me to make those upgrades. the car is unknown and bought on a whim so the needs are many and the budget is draining quickly.
 

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Thank you Peter, sound advice. Makes sense, especially since the water pump was replaced and not put back together. I'm in the USA so can I use the more common Buick 215 options available here without issue? Same with the oil pump? Understand the 3500S NADA has the same engine but my inexperience causes me to be cautious. Some great parts providers in the UK but the shipping is usually quite expensive as I well know. Thanks for the help.

I used a Cloyes true roller one from summit racing. $48 if I remember 4 years ago. Don't know about the oil pump as I bought a high capacity one from a UK supplier (basically the SD1 gear with a spacer). Not only the 215 but the V6 and later Iron V8 is the same I believe
 
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