I want to run a gear drive in my new rebuild , instead of the timing chain. I like the "sound" it adds to my small blower (142) ... and the fact that its so accurate, and is durable.

Is there a favorite brand to get for my 327? Let me know, as well as your opinions/experiences ... thanks---

Accuracy depends on the one you buy. I had bought one for my 350 and gave it to the builder. He couldn't get the cam timed right with it. Threw it aside and used a chain. Buy a good one.

I wouldn't use a gear drive. They do sound cool, (BUT), there is always a but. Most are not that accurate, and they transfer the crank vibration to the valve train. Most of the time on a well balanced motor its not much, but over time it will add up....

Good timing chains last forever, and they're quiet. :thumbsup:

Had gear drive in the motor that came with my Nova when I bought it --- lets just say that the new motor did not have gear drive --- use a timing chain -- just my $0.02

A Pete Jackson gear drive will work great and will run problem free for a long time. I have never had a problem with timing right with a gear drive.

I also use a pete jackson gear drive in my 406-now-434 small block.....no problems with it before. my new builder didn't have any problems with my desire to use it. he builds a lot of top sportsman 600 plus inch motors, he didn't say not to use it.

I have been running a Pete Jackson NOISY gear drive in my daily driver for the past 4+ years with no problems.

I run a Pete Jackson "noisy" gear drive in my 302. I had no problem degreeing the cam when I assembled the engine. Used a GM replacement 30-30 cam made by crane. Engine runs great & valve timing will stay more accuate over time than any timing chain. All timing chains stretch. Also had an early Pete Jackson gear drive in a 327 in the mid 80's. Used the gear drive through two engine rebuilds with no problems whatsover. The drive had about 70,000 miles on it before I sold the 68 Camaro it was in. The guy who owns the car now is still using the same engine with the same gear drive. I say if you want a gear drive for the noise or for the longevity of valve timing or both, go for it!

I got out of my noisy gear drive after 500 miles on the rebuild.it looked like new on removal..so no issues there,but hated the sound without a big huffin 8/71 thru the hood.

I currently run the Pete Jackson "Noisy" gear drive in my 327, with no problems what so ever!....I totally dig that "Blower Whining" noise!....I used to run this gear drive set up in a big block (454) 1970 Chevelle SS454 and would constantly get people asking me if I'm running a Blower under the hood!....Two things you'll need to know, if your motor has been line bored, you'll need undersize idler gears and also you'll need to use your stock, OEM timing chain cover.

I have run several engines with Pete Jackson gear drives, never once had a problem. My current engine does not have a gear drive (Crane billet timing set). If you decide to go with a gear drive I recommend going with the quiet. Even the quiet ones are very notice-able, that along with the blower will be plenty (trust me).

I would have no problem running a gear drive in any engine that doesn't see high RPM's. This is the only time the harmonics "can" be an issue. 7000+ RPM and in that case I would probably use a belt.

If you want a gear drive go for it, there's no harm in it.

I run a Donovan Cam Gear Drive on a BBC and love it. You do have to mill material off the Damper Snout to use one as the Crank Gear is rather thick but it does fit behind a Stock Water Pump and you can use stock Pulleys. You normally run a 7.25" Damper with one. It is very easy to change camshafts and you can run either Flat Tappet or Roller. The Roller Bearing Thrust plate is very strong and you can Degree whatever is required. You can easily restrict the cam end play to .004" and if you elect to run an electric water pump you can drive any number of devices off the front of the Cam Gear Drive. I always drill a 1mm hole in the Front PSGR Oil Lifter Gallery to Lubricate Cam Gears. This modification would not hurt chain drives either. Aside from looking awesome on the motor the Donovan does sound like a blower at Idle but is very quiet while driving. They are built tough and virtually last forever. If you need to you can Order New Cam Gears from Donovan Engineering for around $80.

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Pete Jackson "noisey" it is ... the 100k mile warranty , and the ADDED sound to my 142 blower just seem too hard to pass up , thank you gentleman :) ---