BorgWarner Launches Low-Friction Engine Timing Chain

January 29, 2014

Patrick Ponticel

Designed to reduce friction, the timing chains deliver a claimed 0.3-0.6% fuel economy improvement.

BorgWarner's latest-generation 6.35-mm (0.25-in) inverted-tooth silent engine timing chains are launching on engines from Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Hyundai, General Motors, and one Chinese automaker. Designed to reduce friction and noise, they deliver an improvement in fuel economy of as much as 0.3 to 0.6% based on customer testing, the company claims. The timing chains are fitted to a variety of 0.66- to 2.0-L gasoline engines for vehicles in Japan, China, and Korea. "As automakers began downsizing engines to improve fuel economy, BorgWarner recognized opportunities to help further improve engine efficiency by reducing power-wasting friction in the engine timing system," said Joe Fadool, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Morse TEC. The new chain design features a smaller tooth pitch. Link back shape is optimized for reduced contact area and friction, as the chain slides along the arms and guides where most friction losses occur. In addition, "super-finish apertures" enhance wear and efficiency performance, and special polishing improves surface finish to reduce friction, the company claims.