NEWB Timing chain questions

[rang-a-stang]

Bought my 09 new in Feb of 09. Changed oil every 5k with synthetic. I am now at 125k and I need to replace my timing cover (the studs that hold the upper motor mount both sheered off and it's cracked). Stock long block, JBR motor mounts, a couple bolt on parts but mostly stock.

Question 1) While I have the timing cover off, should I replace my timing chain? I do not have any clicking, it runs like a champ, no odd noises (it does have the initial rattle when I start it cold, for like a quarter second, but it has almost always done that). I saw some threads that said to reach in the oil fill hole and check for slop so I'll do that. This is my daily driver so I like to have "all" parts, supplies, and tools needed before I dig into a project.

Question 2) If I should replace my chain, any recommendations on parts? I have replaced many American V8 timing chain sets and there are good ones and crappy ones. I assume the same is true for my MS3? Should I buy factory chains, tensioner, and guides, or are aftermarket fine? I do not ever want to get rid of this car so longevity/reliability is extremely important to me. I would rather pay more for better parts but if expensive factory parts are no better than aftermarket ones, then I'll buy them.

Question 3) Should I plan to replace the sprockets?

I have been using the search here and I have the service manual so I am not really looking for a "how-to" more like should I mess with it if it isn't giving me problems...

[Vansquish]

I wouldn't mess around. If you're already basically rebuilding a bunch of stuff on that side of your engine, you might as well replace the timing chain and VVT system. If you do so, you should replace the VVT system with OEM-spec parts. EdgeAutoSport sells a complete kit.

However, if you intend to run massive power on your rebuilt engine, you may want to consider pinned cams, etc.

[rang-a-stang]

No massive power. Current mods are all the mods I will ever do. At this point, I just want the car to live as long as possible.

Amazon has a complete factory parts kit including the VVT:
Amazon kit
but I wasn't really sure I "needed" to do the VVT/timing chains.

I wouldn't say I am "rebuilding" anything, just swapping the timing cover. I'll poke around on Edge's website and see what I can find. Thanks!

[Jeff23spl]

you open the cover to fix a leak ?

to do so you will already need new friction washers and bolt for the crank and the timing tool to put it back...why not replacing at least the chain, it is the wearing part....the other ones are probably in good shape.
you can open the vvt to inspect the locking pin inside to see if it is gonna dig a way to get out or not. doing so means another bolt and washer for that pulley...

[Fstrnyou]

Originally Posted by Jeff23spl you open the cover to fix a leak ? to do so you will already need new friction washers and bolt for the crank and the timing tool to put it back...why not replacing at least the chain, it is the wearing part....the other ones are probably in good shape. you can open the vvt to inspect the locking pin inside to see if it is gonna dig a way to get out or not. doing so means another bolt and washer for that pulley...

Shit. Ya. Once you break the balancer bolt loose, you need to replace all of the crank friction washers, which means pulling the timing chain and crank sprockets out.

[rang-a-stang]

Alright. Looks like I am going to do the whole job (timing cover, timing chain, and VVT).

I have built a few motors (none Mazda, though) and am totally comfortable getting this done but
a) how long should I expect my car to be down if things go "normally"? I assume this is a start on Saturday morning and back my car out of my garage Saturday night...
b) Do you guys all buy your own timing tools or is there a loaner pool around here? Anyone got a set laying around they would be willing to sell? I don't really want to pay $68 extra for a tool I will probably never use again. Should I post an ad in the classifieds or check FleaBay?

[rang-a-stang]

Bought the kit from Edge and the tool. They show up Friday. I plan to dig in next Friday.

[Fstrnyou]

Make friends with the Mazdaspeed people living in your area. One of them is bound to have the tools.