tensioner guard installation

[vlocci]

Just picked up another SC that has not been updated to hydraulic tensioners.

Given the current price of the kit, I'm planning on adding tensioner guards and calling it a day. $25.00 is a lot more palatable than $1000 in parts.

In the past I've only installed the hydraulic tensioner kit with the motor out of the car for other reasons,

Can the timing chain covers be removed with the motor in place and tensioner guards installed? Looks like dropping the muffler is a given, but any other tips?

[TwoBluPorsches]

Yes, it is possible to remove them with the engine in the car.

As part of a troubleshooting process I've even seen a mechanic run the engine without the timing chain covers and no muffler.
He was trying to figure out why the brand new tensioners weren't working - He guessed they just sat on the shelf too long. He pulled them out and rebuilt the new ones.

I believe you'll want to check the wheel support / arm and see if they are the ones with the longer bushing.
The longer bushing also may require the 930 non pressure feed tensioners.

I've had non pressure feed tensioners on my '76 since new.
the original tensioners failed prior to the pressure feed setup was designed and it was upgraded to the 930 style wheel support/arm. (with guards)
Eventually the tensioners failed again and that's when the mechanic put in new ones that were bad.

Rebuilding the tensioners is probably a good idea while they are out.

[PeteKz]

I installed my hydraulic tensioners with the engine in the car. It's a bit of a PITA, but not enough to make it worth dropping the engine. Be sure not to lose the cam timing, or you will have the pleasure of retiming the cam with the engine in the car too.