The key for chain life is getting that crank sproket champher properly done! You should have a bit of back and forth play on the sprockets and a bit of slack in the chain. Without having the champher done (like a lot of people did years ago through trial and error and snappin chains) it will put the chain in a bind and wear it out quick. Also not having the clearances and having it rub on something will make it prematurely wear and break. Same chains used in our cars are used in V8's so I'm not worried with JP at all, as long as it's installed right.
I mic'ed mine and after machine work on the sprocket, the chain is equal distance all the way around from the block. I have slight back and forth slide on the sprockets and a little slack. I did have a clearance issue still with my factory oil pump cover so I went ahead and got a machined one. After the oil pump cover was installed I had no rubbin without a timing cover gasket so installed I have no problems!!!!
In the pics you can also see, just remove the balance shaft gear and leave the shaft in place. Also the larger gear behind the single roller cam sprocket needs to be left off as well. When installing, get your crank sprocket tapped on all of 3/4" or so then start trying to slide your chain and cam sprocket on. You'll have to gently tap the crank sprocket a little at a time and test fit after each hit.. LOL once you get the cam bolt started then you are golden!!! Took me like 10 minutes to install mine when I have heard horror stories out of others..
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/v...4-06165900.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/v...4-06165910.jpg
