Tensioner question

[merbesfield]

can anyone please id this chain tensioner? is it good bad or otherwise? thanks

[RSTarga]

That looks like a fixed mechanical tensioner. Really not recommended for a streetcar. Some race cars used it, but they were checking adjustment all the time. You need to go to either a Turbo hydraulic or the newer pressure fed tensioners. You'll need new ramps and other mods depending on which way you go.

[chris_seven]

If you use a mechanical tensioner it will need an initial adjustment after around 500 miles if you fit a new chain and then it will last for about 30k miles and be reasonably stable.

The chains will rattle a little when the engine is cold but will be OK when warm.

I like mechanical tensioners on competition cars as they don't fail and although they need more work when new they don't disguise chain wear.

[LeonardZ]

That would not be an ideal choice for a street car. Since it can not adjust for hot and cold expansion and contraction other components suffer as a result. Chains, sprockets etc. I don't think the factory ever made a mechanical tensioner except for maybe in their racing cars which as stated earlier those engines were torn down after each race or two.

Hydraulic is the way to go.

Good luck,

Leonard