A Guide to Engine Timing Sets for the 1967-1978 Pontiac Parisienne
Keep your classic Canadian Parisienne running strong by understanding its unique timing set needs.
- Your 1967-78 Parisienne uses a Chevrolet engine, so you must buy a timing set for a Chevy V8 or inline-6.
- If your engine has the original timing gear, it likely has failure-prone nylon teeth and should be replaced immediately.
- Upgrading to an all-metal set from a brand like Melling or Cloyes is the standard, reliable repair.
- It is highly recommended to replace the water pump and front crankshaft seal at the same time as the timing set.
Understanding Your Parisienne's Engine
Before buying parts, it's critical to know that 1967-1978 Pontiac Parisiennes sold in Canada were built on a Chevrolet chassis and used Chevrolet engines. This means you will be shopping for a timing set for a Chevy engine, such as a Small-Block V8 (like the 307, 327, or 350) or a Big-Block V8 (like the 396 or 454). Do not purchase a timing set intended for a Pontiac-made V8 (like the 400 or 455), as it will not fit.
Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
The original timing sets on many 1960s and 1970s GM engines featured a camshaft gear with nylon-coated teeth. This was done to reduce engine noise. Over decades of heat and use, this nylon becomes brittle, cracks, and breaks off. This is a very common point of failure. When the timing chain stretches or the gear fails, you'll notice serious problems.
- Rattling Noise: The most common sign is a rattling or scraping sound from the front of the engine, especially at idle. This is the sound of the loose chain slapping against the inside of the timing cover.
- Engine Misfires and Rough Idle: A stretched chain can jump a tooth on a gear, throwing off your engine's timing. This leads to poor performance, a rough idle, and misfires.
- Loss of Power: With incorrect timing, your engine will feel sluggish and won't accelerate as it should.
- Metal Shavings in Oil: As the nylon teeth break off and the chain wears, small pieces of plastic and metal can fall into the oil pan. These can clog the oil pump pickup screen, leading to oil starvation and catastrophic engine damage.
A Critical Weak Point: Nylon Cam Gears
If your engine is original and has never had its timing set replaced, it almost certainly has a nylon-toothed cam gear. Due to age, this part should be considered a ticking time bomb. It is highly recommended to replace it with a modern all-metal set, even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
Since OEM-style nylon gears are no longer common or recommended, you'll be choosing from various all-metal aftermarket sets. They generally fall into three categories.
| Brand Tier | Description | Common Brands | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Replacement | These are quality all-metal replacements for the stock setup. They often use a durable "silent" or link-belt style chain, similar to the original but with steel gears. | Melling, Cloyes | Stock engine rebuilds and daily drivers. A massive upgrade over the original nylon gear. |
| Heavy-Duty / Performance Street | These sets often feature a single or double roller chain. A roller chain is stronger and creates less friction than a link-belt chain, offering more durability and timing accuracy. | Melling Select Performance, Cloyes, Edelbrock | Mildly modified engines, classic cars that see regular use, or owners wanting extra durability. |
| High-Performance / Racing | Almost always a high-strength double roller chain. The gears are made from billet steel for maximum durability. Many sets offer multiple keyways on the crank gear to allow for advancing or retarding cam timing. | Edelbrock, Melling Select Performance | Highly modified engines, racing applications, or builds where tuning camshaft timing is necessary. |
Brand Quality Notes
Melling and Cloyes are long-standing, reputable brands for timing components. However, some recent user reports suggest potential quality control issues with excessive slack in some lower-cost Cloyes sets for small block Chevy engines. Melling is often seen as a consistently reliable choice. Edelbrock is a premium performance brand with a strong reputation for quality parts aimed at modified engines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a single roller and a double roller chain?
A double roller chain is wider and has two sets of rollers, making it significantly stronger than a single roller. For most stock or mildly modified V8 engines in a Parisienne, a quality single roller or even a heavy-duty link-belt chain is sufficient. A double roller is excellent for peace of mind and is essential for high-horsepower or high-RPM engines.
Do I need to replace the timing cover?
Not usually, but you should inspect it. The original cover can be reused if it's not damaged or corroded. However, the seal at the front where the crankshaft harmonic balancer sits must be replaced. Most timing gasket sets include this seal.
Should I replace the water pump at the same time?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The water pump must be removed to access the timing cover. Since you have already drained the coolant and removed the pump, replacing it with a new one is cheap insurance against having to do the job all over again if the old pump fails soon after.
Will a double roller chain fit under my stock timing cover?
For most Chevrolet small-block and big-block engines, a standard double roller timing set will fit under the stock timing cover without modifications. However, always check the part manufacturer's notes to be certain, as some very large chains may require a special cover.
Technical Specifications
Vehicle-specific fitment for Chevrolet engines (e.g., Small-Block V8, Big-Block V8, Inline 6). Chain types include link-belt ('silent'), single roller, and double roller. Gears are typically cast iron or steel.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.