<99 vs. >99 timing set ?

[Mars]

What's the difference between them and how do I tell them apart?

I'm not 100% sure on my engine, it's either a 99 or a 2002, and I need to order up a new timing set.

Can get pics...

[CNCguy]

Here's a pic showing the difference. They are interchangeable.

[Mars]

Cool, thanks!

I definetly have the "new" style.

Looks like I may upgrade to the old style though, looks beefier. Also 30$ cheaper...

Would that actually be an upgrade? lol I wonder if the matl' the gears are made of is better for the newer style??

[CNCguy]

I cannot say which is stronger from personal experience. It seems that the old style would be stronger due to the larger cross section but some people say "not so". If they changed the materials for the links, pins and gears the new style could be stronger. Perhaps the new style gets less wear since it has more teeth thereby requiring less bending as it flexes around the gears.

[Dxray]

Hey mars, we have a rockwell tester at school. I can talk to my teacher and maybe try to compair the 2 and see if there is a harness diffrence.

[El_Diablo]

i for one would love to see that.... would be nice to know which one is ultimatly stronger

[Superdave]

that would be some great info to have before next spring

[Azrael]

It's safe to say that the Cloyes one is the weakest. Seems everyone who's had one stretched them in a matter of months.

[IsaacHayes]

I think they changed it mainly to be quieter but no idea which is better for durability stand point. But yeah everyone says get OEM dealer parts. My gear was fine so I re-used it. I did end up with the cloyes chain though but oh well. It ran for YEARS with chain slap noise from a stretched chain with no adverse affects other than sounding like worn lifters so I'm not too worried. It is nice having a quiet engine now though. Loudest noise on it is the injectors hahah