[oneblueyedog]

13000 Exhaust Manifold Spreader
For Reinstalling the Manifold on Small Block Chevrolets.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=58

You put one end on the stud that the tensioner uses and the other on the chain sprocket assembly where the piston normally goes. Turn the center bolt to expand the tool to tighten the chain for timing. Works on both sides.

I don't work for Lisle. I expect the prices to go up now.

Then again this might be a common tool everyone is already using for timing.

Child's play, precise and cheap.

Lee

[Jim Richards]

Lee, very interesting. Are you saying that this tool works for tensioning the chains when setting cam timing, in place of the factory mechanical tensioning tool? Have you actually used it for this purpose? The price is darn attractive.

[oneblueyedog]

I just finished #4 an hour ago with it . It was a dry assembly. I'm buying another one for final assembly so I can ditch the c clamp and keep both chains tight at the same time with them. This is my first 911 rebuild but I can see no reason why this is wrong. You can tighten it just as tight as the clamp on the left bank. And on the right it works exactly the same way.

Someone might do a comparison between the time honored way and this way. At the price compared to a mech tensioner it's hard to argue. I think it might even be cheaper than a vise grip plier. I had it on hand so I gave it a try.