3-4 years of timing chain wear

Some 3-4 years ago I replaced the worn out stock timing chainset in the Dodge Dart’s 318 engine for a new set. After the timing set replacement I immediately felt an improved low rpm torque and throttle response.

At the time I just installed a simple stock-style chain set as the engine would be destined to be replaced anyway.

Now, just a small number of years of daily driving later I noticed the low rpm torque-improvements were seemingly gone again. Just prior of the 360-engine swap, I decided to dive back into the engine to have a peek.

What I found was a timing chain that had a considerable amount of play again. This play retarded the camshaft some 4-5 degrees.

I installed a slightly used double roller chain set with a three-way crank sprocket. Unfortunately I didn’t have the time to degree the cam properly, but decided to install the timing chain in the 4° advanced position.
The engine now feels, although minor, like it has regained it’s lost low rpm torque again.

Conclusion:
Stock style, cheap $40, timing chain sets are not worth their money.
They’ll wear and retard the camshaft enough in just a few years, in what a factory stock timing chain would take years to do.