camchain

[sendmyusername]

Probably a silly question (that wont stop me) -
Camchains are not normally used as they sap power (minimally) and they are noisey (probably wouldn't hear it in the elise)
So instead of throwing timing belts at the engine constantly, how difficult/expensive is a one off cost of fitting a camchain ?
I'm assuming the cambelt is on the end of the engine and easy(ish) access, so just a few pullys needed.
I'm not planning on trying this anytime soon, but maybe in the future. Hoping to learn from other peoples mistakes (same principle of learning from your own mistakes, but much less costly)

If everyone else is 'thinking outside the box', thinking inside it means you are doing something different to the masses.

[philthy]

The costs invloved in new pulleys, chain and a system to keep it lubricated would far outway the benefits of changing the belt every service, especially if it is that easy to access.

[woody]

The costs invloved in new pulleys, chain and a system to keep it lubricated would far outway the benefits of changing the belt every service, especially if it is that easy to access.

This. And a chain requires to be oiled. And you'd need to develop it to vbe better than an OEM belt in one go or it may result in the issue you seek to avoid.

[Rosssco]

As above... and a different tensioning system, plus cam chain are normally enclosed within the engine in some form to prevent corrosion and allow lubrication, where as belts are normally just covered.. You'd probably be easier fitting a different engine.

Plus timing chains wear out too. The NA VX220 engine uses a timing chain, and you can hear it in the cabin.

[sendmyusername]

Cool, was just wondering.
All valid points I hadn't thought about, but pretty obvious really I suppose.
Re: other engine, is there nothing - newer + more reliable + more powerful + lighter - yet still torquey that's not the type R honda that fits in easyish ?
Before anyone asks - yes I am quite bored.

[philthy]

The duratec is a cam chain engine that's a another good option

[GregorFuk]

Indeed. You get a free Duratec with your camchain.

Not noisy btw, arguably quieter than a K.

[BiggestNizzy]

Stick one of these in and be done with it.
Renault
Running costs however might be a little high

[David]

Not noisy btw, arguably quieter than a K.

Try running it without oil pressure Great warning system

[GregorFuk]

Not noisy btw, arguably quieter than a K.

Try running it without oil pressure Great warning system

I'll give that one a miss if it's all the same. Sounds expensive.