gear driven cams

[regfootball]

simple. one would think that relying on gears instead of chain could improve cam performance and timing.

gears may require more power to run and have more friction. wear may be an issue as well.

I am only aware of one engine that i know of that had gear driven overhead cam. Honda produced a VFR interceptor motorcycle that had it for awhile. It apparently was a strong performer. I am not certain how this worked over time. Remember, Honda had oval pistons in some bikes too.

what does anyone know regarding gear driven cams and any advantages / disadvantages? Mostly I am thinking in the context of an OHC or DOHC motor.

Wouldn't this eliminate timing chain or belt hassles? Couldn't accessory drives be synergized with this?

Edited July 25, 2010 by regfootball

[CanadianBacon94]

probably add rotating mass.

[regfootball]

i hear noise or sound may be issue. mods, by the way move this topic if it belongs in a better place.

i am reading something that suggests gear drive actually saves power over a chain drive.

[SAmadei]

i hear noise or sound may be issue. mods, by the way move this topic if it belongs in a better place.

i am reading something that suggests gear drive actually saves power over a chain drive.

In general, its my understanding its the noise... a less than pleasant whine. I suppose in this era of sound cancellation and better tolerances, that could be eliminated.

Its a been a fairly common upgrade to replace your chain with a gear drive on various V8 engines. Of course, many upgrades for power aren't the best for the street...

[Camino LS6]

It's been done as a performance enhancer on V8s for years - the big complaint is noise.

[chevelle454]

The old Iron Duke had a gear driven cam,