sometimes you have a faulty block.i had a c1ae block with a 1/2 inch slop new.got another chain and the same thing.most are ringing tight.

I used a Cloyes roller timing chain in my 292 and I had zero deflection. At first I thought it was not going to go on, but it did.

Thank you Ted 

The 1957 Shop Manual specifies ½” as the maximum allowable amount of deflection.  That is with one side of the chain drawn up tight and the total deflection amount as measured on the opposite side.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Is that 1/4 on one side or do you center the gear and measure deflection on both sides I have put timing chains on GM engines and the chain had no slop I almost think the engine I am working on was line bored but I know different 

Just did mine it had about 1/4" or so

1956 292 how much slop should there be in a new chain and gears thank you