My Stang has about 135K miles on it, but runs great. I was wondering though, seems to make sense that the timing chains would stretch over time (like all other timing chains in the world) and that I should be able to find some lost low-end torque if I were to replace them.

This isn'ta new idea. A stretched chain advances the cam timing, resulting in a little more top-end at the sacrifice of a little low-end.....typically.

Here's my question: You think it'd be worth replacing the timing chains on my car in search of some torque? If so, how tough is that job. I've not looked in the manual yet.

Personally, I would very much trade some 6000 RPM hp for some 2500 RPM torque.

 

definetly. when timing chains stretch (they do over time... heat + pressure) they weaken and sometimes break altogether (rarely) id say replace it based upon your mileage.. and with that many miles, i doubt youll be taking her to redline that often, so id say you gain a new part and possibly some low end. completely worth it IMO

 

Job is not an easy one. You have to take off the timing cover. That's not really an easy job. Well, it's kind of easy. It's all nuts and bolts, but it's time consuming.

 

It wouldn't be a bad idea to change the chains. A friend of mine has a 97 cobra with just 78,000 miles and it broke a chain. Just lucky he had a built motor with 18 cc dish pistons and stock cams so none of the valves hit the pistons. Those chains are really tough but after years of hot and cold and tension they are bound to stretch. It's a pretty good job though. If you ever wanted to put a set of cams in now would be the time.