Just wondering if people had an opinion on the best Cryo-Treated timing chain kit? I've been looking at kits from Detroit-Tuned, Sneed4Speed and Way Motor Works and really don't know which direction to go. The Sneed4Speed claims to have heavy-duty guides, but I feel if they were really available, I would have seen them somewhere else. Way Motor Works has good prices on Genuine Mini parts and finally Detroit-Tuned has the aftermarket set even cheaper. It seems all are IWIS any way, so that may not matter. Any opinions?
Thanks,
zootman59

 

The times I have had to replace or had to have replaced any timing chains/sprockets/guides I've gone with the factory hardware. Based on the info available at the time of purchase and installation AFAIK they were not cyro-treated.

 

In my opinion, the Cryo treated kit is marketing hype. Get an OEM chain and the latest revision tensioner, add in the rest of the kit, and should be good to go.

You didn’t mention how many miles on the engine, and how long you plan on keeping the car. Those factors will affect choices also.

 

Hi Nik, Thanks for the reply. To answer your questions, 97,000 miles and I would like to keep it a while. Nothing out there seems much better. I don't have the "Death Rattle" yet, but it is a little louder than it used to be. I don't mind spending a little more if it helps. It's a big enough hassle that I cannot really understand how these bargain kits exist.
Kevin

 

RE: Death rattle...

Whatever chain kit you install you want to be sure you replace *everything*. Chain, guides, tensioners, and *sprockets*. As for bolts I go by what the factory service/repair manual calls for. If it calls for new bolts that's what I use. If it doesn't I use the old bolts. These bolts are of high quality, high strength, and if not mistreated -- banged against one another which can mar the surface and lead to a stress fracture -- and in otherwise good condition -- which they should be unless someone else has been in the engine before you and abused the bolts -- they can be reused.

New bolts have a risk: A new bolt could fail prematurely. This premature failure even has a name: Infant death syndrome. And is why there is a new car warranty.

 

We were the first company to start the cryo treatment and we 100% know it works! cryo makes the chain stronger to resist stretching, which happens with the lack of lubrication (ie: heat) and mileage. we cyro all types of things to battle the heat on track cars. Rotors, spark plugs, and any major engine components. also, the price of cryo is Penneys compared to the kit price. also, make sure your kit comes with all the parts. not just a chain... https://www.detroittuned.com/mini-n1...ermarket-iwis/

 

I can tell you I've never seen "heavy duty" guides so don't know why a vendor would call them that and would like to see what makes them "heavy duty"? That same vendor also never says that all the parts in their kit is genuine or not. OEM doesn't mean genuine FYI.
Our kits are all Genuine MINI parts no aftermarket parts and come with everything you need and nothing extra. I won't use aftermarket parts on a timing chain job as it's not worth the risk to save a few bucks vs bending the valves.
The Cryo option is a good option as the science does show that it will help reduce stretching, and it's cheap enough it's worth the investment.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/timing...-cooper-s.html