i mentioned i would post an update when i got the new timing chain in my sse this week. i could probably condense it into one phrase "WOW...WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!"

as i had hoped, the rattle went away. i had also hoped to pick up some power with the new chain which it did...much more than i thought.

the big suprise was the smoothness of the engine. i didn't think it was running that rough before but now it fells like a brand new motor! it just purrs. my buddy said that was probably because the computer was trying so hard to compensate for the chain being off. now it can reset itself for the best running.

i guess the chain was worn on my car but he said the worst part was the tensioner. he said it wouldn't have gone much longer before it let go completely.

anyhow i'm happy, happy, happy! feels good enough to go for another 300,000 kms. AND I'M DEFINITELY GONNA TRY FOR IT!!!

Glad to hear it all worked out, I'm sure you're fuel economy will improve also.

i hadn't thought about gas mileage but if it improves i will really be smiling!

i know when i got the car i was amazed for such a big heavy vehicle the good mileage it got then.

Was a major improvement made between 88 and 89. Earlier ones should be replaced with later components as soon as convenient after passing 100k miles (160k k). Most of the stretch is taken up by the tensioner but after a certain point it starts retarding the cam and the balance shaft gets out of sync. Can feel quite a difference particularly in low end response after replacement.

Ohhhh stop it. Now i want to do this!!!!!!!

Hmm. the engine does feel old and tired. Runs good though. Just always feels slow on the hot days especially. Its only got 140-150 thousand kms on it though (the engine only) Car has 273,000 clicks on it.

Well, do a chain replacement, might as well remove the oil pan to put a new seal in. Might as well get the new cam magnet. Might as well rebuild the engine while i'm in there! lol. Doubt i will do that.