Originally Posted By: Cujet
It's also not true that a shorter chain will last longer or be more reliable. A longer chain's individual links will see fewer turns. The bottom line is that there is no difference in lifespan between long and short chains.
I would have to respectfully dis-agree with that statement.
On an OHV V8 engine, each link will only have to bend and un-bend twice per revolution, and the extent of the bend is quite small. Both are well under 90 degrees.
On a OHC engine, there is usually AT LEAST 4 bends and un-bends per revolution, and often they are of higher angle than that of an OHV engine. So, for each engine revolution, the OHC engine will cause more wear on each link.
Furthermore, the longer distance between the crank and the camshaft on an OHC engine will have more effects of chain wear than a shorter OHV cam chain. If each link wears 0.005", and there are only 7 chain links between the crank and the camshaft on an OHV engine compared to the 20 or so links between the crank and cam on an OHC engine, you can see how the wear per link will effect the cam/crankshaft relationship much more quickly on the OHC engine as compared to an OHV engine. (yes, I realize cam position sensors and cam phasers can help with this problem)
There are trade-offs for each design, and they both have their place. IMHO, OHV offers more positives than the OHC design for most applications.