Unusual distribution chain tensioner - 2.2L engine

[DJIPI]

Hi there,
surprise when opening the distribution covers, very strange chain tensioner, never saw that before.
This is a matching engine from a 2.2L 71 Targa sportomatic I brought back to Belgium.
So my question: what do-you think, are these tensioners well known in the US, efficient and reliable replacement part?
Or would-you suggest to drop them away and go back to Porsche original items?
Your experiences and opinions will help us, in order to decide go/nogo with this "upgrade".
Thanks from Belgium,

djipi

[edmayo]

Those are mechanical tensioners, I don't reccomend using them. Use the latest hydraulic turbo tensioner or the presyre fed hydraulic ones.

[66S]

They are the most reliable tensioners and also the least expensive. I still use them but I just bought a pair of Hastech tensioners to try, oil dampened but adjusted like mechanicals and pricey like oem tensioners.

[edmayo]

Are those similar to the Hoeptner tensioners of the eighties?

[DJIPI]

Hi,
thanks for yr help :
Further to a new search on the net:
@edmayo: Hoeptner looks like original Porsche tensioners.

Items found on my engine seems to be similar to Hasteck
What would be problem with them, a bit too race minded?
More noisy, not as smooth operation,...?
As far as reliability is concerned, they seems to be ok?

[edmayo]

The problem with solid tensioners is to what tautness do you set them? There is no spec. They also need to be checked periodically since they don't compensate for stretch and wear.

[MountainRoads]

The problem with solid tensioners is to what tautness do you set them? There is no spec. They also need to be checked periodically since they don't compensate for stretch and wear.

+1 to what Ed says (as always). These are fine for race engines as they are very reliable at high rev and engine tear-down and inspections are frequent. Not so great for street cars since there's no give even for heat expansion.

- MR

[66S]

But my solid tensioners were only $5/pr from a shop in TX called Zim’s, might ring a bell with some here. They wouldn’t steer me wrong would they? Setting the tension is a subjective thing while the Hastech tensioners are adjusted to a visual marker set by the manufacturer eliminating the guesswork. I don’t expect everyone to rush out and install solids but they are sooo demonized I will always defend them, never had a problem on street and race motors. Ever park your car pointing up a hill, let the car slip backwards in gear then start the motor? The chain can be mighty loose when the motor is started. One more thing you don’t worry about with solids, the most dependable tensioners, KISS

[DJIPI]

Great to have your feed-back gentlemen, I' m gonna have a talk with my mechanic and take the final decision with him.
Thanks for your help, wish you all the best for 2024

[raspy2point2]

The big problem was the idler arm galling the shaft. So make sure you have the wider idler arm and bushing.