I own a 97 SE, and I'm under the assumption that our cars are equipped with a timing chain as opposed to a timing belt. Can someone confirm this for me? And does anyone know why a chain was chosen over a belt if this is true? Thank you.

 

All '95-up Maximas have a timing chain.

There are good arguments on both sides of this fence.

Timing belts are...
- lighter
- quieter
- less expensive
- require no lubrication

Timing chains are...
- stronger
- more durable

The consequences of a broken belt further complicates the issue. Most
engines are interference engines. If the belt (or chain) breaks, the
pistons hit the valves, usually causing severe damage. If all engines were
non-interference engines, timing belts would be more acceptable.

This leads to a related question: Why do engine designers generally prefer
the interference design? Combustion chamber design is a complicated
affair. There are many factors involved including flow, swirl, tumble,
charge stratification, flame front propagation, exhaust emissions, power,
and fuel economy. Reduced to simplest terms, it's difficult to have the
advantages of a high compression ratio without the disadvantages of the
interference design.

 

Geez he just took words right out of my mouth!!!

 

Yeah, what he said.