How to Assemble the Front of a Small Block

mopar moe said

Hi: Is the timing chain tensioner a "must install " item?? The reason I ask is that I bought a 273 Commando engine that was built by a reputable machine shop in Edmonton Alberta and there is no tensioner installed.
Thanks for listening.......Mopar Moe

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I got a motor at Shady dell years back. They had a tensioner on it. I ask Dave at HTA machine the reason for it. He said it keeps a cheap chain tight.. when we went to put the new chain on that shady dell supplied after their motor blew up. You needed the tensioner to take up the slack. Dave ordered the correct length to go with the cam and crank centerline difference. The chain was not cheap but 6 years later and its still no slack. A good machine shop knows where to get the correct parts to build a motor.