Timing chain
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- Minor Addict
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Timing chain
Further to my recent posts on the timing chain.Can you please advise the difference between duplex and the other as will have to get one at some point and unsure what isvin there thanks
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- Minor Legend
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Re: Timing chain
All Morris Minors originally had a simplex (single row) timing chain. The MG Midget 1275cc engine was fitted with a duplex (double) chain as standard.
A conversion is available to fit duplex sprockets and chain for those who wish. Unless your car has had such a modification, it will have a single chain which is perfectly adequate. Well, I've not had any trouble in over half a century anyway
A conversion is available to fit duplex sprockets and chain for those who wish. Unless your car has had such a modification, it will have a single chain which is perfectly adequate. Well, I've not had any trouble in over half a century anyway

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- Minor Maniac
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Re: Timing chain
Anecdote time.
I’ve always replaced single chains with duplex simply because ‘why not?’
Many years ago I converted an MGB to take the glorious Rover V8, the engine came from a trusted source having been removed from an SD1 vitesse. In it went and ran nicely but no matter what I did I couldn’t stop timing scatter as shown by the strobe on the timing marks.
After some years I decided the engine needed more power so removed it and did a little remowrorking to the top end and in the process fitted the gloriously named ‘stump puller’ cam. So as a matter of course added a duplex chain assembly.
On reassembly and set up I was impressed how tight the timing mark had become, virtually all the scatter had gone and timing became much more precise. I put that down to the removal of slop in the chain and sprockets, although I must admit I couldn’t say if a simplex chain would have been just as good.
The engine was rolling roaded at 247bhp which was nice but the torque was exceptional.
I’ve always replaced single chains with duplex simply because ‘why not?’
Many years ago I converted an MGB to take the glorious Rover V8, the engine came from a trusted source having been removed from an SD1 vitesse. In it went and ran nicely but no matter what I did I couldn’t stop timing scatter as shown by the strobe on the timing marks.
After some years I decided the engine needed more power so removed it and did a little remowrorking to the top end and in the process fitted the gloriously named ‘stump puller’ cam. So as a matter of course added a duplex chain assembly.
On reassembly and set up I was impressed how tight the timing mark had become, virtually all the scatter had gone and timing became much more precise. I put that down to the removal of slop in the chain and sprockets, although I must admit I couldn’t say if a simplex chain would have been just as good.
The engine was rolling roaded at 247bhp which was nice but the torque was exceptional.
Re: Timing chain
Grumpy, I'd like to buy this car. Sounds like a monster, hope it stopped as well as it went.

1961 Morris Minor 948
1970 Morris Minor 1098
1970 Morris Minor 1098
Re: Timing chain
Ha, yes it had willwood 4 pots and vented discs. Was a real sleeper as from the outside it looked quite standard apart from wider tyres and exhaust.
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- Minor Addict
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Re: Timing chain
As Phil advised recently I will have to see what's on there first thanks
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- Minor Legend
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Re: Timing chain
Must have been pretty quick, my TR7v8 only makes aroun 200hp and is pretty nippy.
The std rover V8 uses a morse chain on a fibre timing wheel plenty of slop but they don't usualy rattle.
The std rover V8 uses a morse chain on a fibre timing wheel plenty of slop but they don't usualy rattle.
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- Minor Maniac
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Re: Timing chain
Below is a Morse timing chain kit for the 'A' Series.
Note the difference in cog teeth and chain profile.
Note the difference in cog teeth and chain profile.
Re: Timing chain
‘‘Twas a tad quick. I did a lot of work to that engine, cam, gas flowed heads, fancy exhaust headers, flowed inlet, Webber 4 barrel carb. Mallory dissy. Then had it all set up by Peter burgess on his rolling road. Lots of mods to suspension too.
I used to enjoy it when the gti types pulled out to overtake me
My current toy is around 220bhp but that only weighs 900kg!
And then there’s the Morris!!