am swapping out my 98 seized engine for a 2000. everything is going good but have noticed a difference in timing chain and sprockets. the 98 has the factory assembly which is a double row chain and wide sprockets. the 2000 engine has a single row chain and slimmer sprockets. the 98 engine's timing set is pristine. there is almost no deflection in the chain. the 2000 engine has a fair amount.......2 questions...can i switch out the sprockets and use the 98 set up on my 2000 engine?......and why not use the timing cover again with a new gasket??? thanks in advance for any answer....david g. ps both have balance shaft.

 

photos please

 

There was no double row timing chains in balance shaft engines. There was a change in timing chain components from 1998 to 2000.

Look at Melling's parts look up.

1998 takes 3-499 timing set.
2000 takes 3-8mmSRH72SB set (which is an upgrade for 3-499 set - has a tensioner)

89017259 timing cover is required for 3-8mmSRH72SB. So use the 2000 parts if you are going to replace them.

 

seconding this, if we could fit a double row chain i'd be all over that. actually in theory wont a normal SBC 5.3 Double Row fit on these since they share basically all components? might be clearence issues with the timing cover but,