Timing Chain

[Lextreme II]

Most older Toyotas prior to the 1990s had timing chain. However, a shift in philosophy and design pretty mucl eliminated all timing chain engines in the mid 1990s. However, it seems to be a trend to bring back the timing chain for the 2006 and 2007 cars and trucks.

So what would be the advantages and disadantages between those two?

 

[cribbj]

To me, the advantages of a timing chain are:
Amount of power it can transfer (debatable)
More compact (narrower) than a cogged timing belt
Never (well almost never) needs replacement
Able to run an interference engine design without worry


Disadvantages of a timing chain:
Noise (big disadvantage here)
Initial cost

There are probably more pros & cons that come to mind?

 

[sniper]

And as far as high reving it would be nice too, look at the F20C from the S2K, its on a chain as well. I hate the noise tho, i always think my 240sx KA24 engine is on the brink of snaping or something.

 

[stevechumo]

In my personal opinion, I don't mind chain or belt. I've driven a 2006 Camry with chain and it's so quiet like the Lexus. The only advantage I can think of is no more hassle to change the belt. However, I believe the chain still stretches somewhat after years of use. Nothing lasts. At this point, maybe the tensioner would help.