[special-K]

Just slap a double roller chain set in and be done with it.You won`t see the torsional vibrations a gear drive gives that risks breakage of other parts way before you`ll ever wear that double roller out.That was good enough for a 375 hp 327.You should hear the chain slap the cover,mostly when letting off a rev,way before any problems.If not,you`ll jump time and bend pushrods and maybe valve stems.Which leads to a head job,which is the number one reason for an overhaul...along with wiped cam lobes at about the same mileage.Small blocks were known for early top end wear.If you don`t go into the bottom end you`re peeing into the wind.Sounds like you caught it in time.You don`t need to pull the motor or heads,but it`s easier IMO.I`d want to pull the pan and install a new oil pump.