I bought two timing chain kits, one for the N18 (2011+) and one for the N14 (2007-2010). Aside from the top and side guide rails being different, I noticed the timing chain on the N18 engine is 3 links shorter!

I was wondering, why not use the shorter chain on the N14 engine and not have to worry about slack anymore?

 

I'd guess using that shorter chain will screw up your valve timing. Do that in you are going to have lots of fun.

 

lol...I just ask a friend of mine and said the same thing...I guess i wasnt thinking about the timing, but rather the slack of the chain.

case closed, i guess

 

All timing chains are designed with a small amount of slack. The chain tensioner takes up the excess slack as the chain wears.

 

the length of the chain would not affect the timing, so long as the tensioner could accomodate it it would work in principle.

 

Wouldn't the tooth count on the sprockets be matched to the number of links in the chain? Sorta like the tooth count on a ring and pinion determines the ratio.