Vernier timing gear

[JKY]

1996 Griff 500.
As standard it has a vernier set but chain is loose. I will be replacing the cam (near to original spec) - can a billet timing set with multiple keyways be used or does it have to be a new full vernier set? Presumably a new chain on the old sprockets is not an option?

[clive f]

be daft not to fit a new chain with sprockets, the verneir type making cam timing very easy, and not very expensive to buy either.

[spend]

The vernier is better IMHO.

Normally it is only necessary to replace the chain, paint missing from the sprockets doesn't mean they're worn out

[Simon Says]

Check very carefully for hooking of the sprocket teeth,even if only slight then bin them or your just wasting time replacing that chain not expensive anyway,think OE is made by Kent cams.

[GreenV8S]

If the cam is worn out then replace the drive set as a matter of course. A vernier pulley is by far the best way to adjust the timing, and if you get an aftermarket cam and drive set it'll more or less always be a vernier pulley.

[JKY]

Timing gear off now and cam out. Bottom sprocket is worn so new set it is. Cam is very bad and interestingly looks worn on heel too in places - how accurately were preloads set when these engines were built???
Another interesting observation is that although it is a serp engine, the cam did not have a retaining plate (nor is it machined for one) - were some of the old cams rolled over to the serp engines until stock used up? Cam is labelled TVR435 116 degrees.
Just got to decide on which new one now!

Edited by JKY on Thursday 12th November 11:41

[spend]

Serp + dizzy is relatively rare in Rover / LR land, don't read too much into common folklore from those quarters. Cam retainer was phased in during the changeover to dizzyless - many RV8 folks confuse the cam sensor/dizzy with serp/pre-serp and completely overlook the dizzyserp intermediate which is what TVR mainly used as a platform.

[JKY]

Spend, yes, that is true.
So, do I get a new cam with the retainer machining and buy a retainer plate (holes are there) or fit as was? Also does the vernier gear potentially foul on the retainer bolt heads?

[JKY]

Quinny, sprocket is not that bad but heading that way, definite slight hook on the teeth and swaging in places.

Edited by JKY on Thursday 12th November 14:12

[spend]

Quinny said:

I have a retainer on mine, and the sprocket doesn't interfere with the bolt heads

Not convinced they're stricly required, but I had one so I stuck it on

I thought yours was a pre-serp Andy? Never seen one on those..

There are a couple of different retainers to my knowledge, horseshoe/round & some have plain bolts & others are countersunk. Another area where you can get folks talking at Xpurposes as they think all are the same The ones I've seen that came from Dom & co have the horseshoe type with plain bolts (but a shallow head) IIRC.