Metal chunks in oil pan - help please

[sgernon]

Changing my oil tonight to prep for a track day tomorrow I was lucky enough to find a nice surprise on the magnet. Pics are below.

Can anyone help me figure it out before I pull the engine and tear it down? Engine is a SBC 377 with 400 4 bolt block, forged eagle crank with 400 mains, 6" Scat rods, JE flatops, 195cc Trick flow heads with springs to handle up to 600" lift. It has roller rockers and stud girdles. Cam is a Comp solid with net lift ~530" and lifters with the oil holes in them (forget what they are called). Timing chain is a double roller without a cam button.



I'm thinking it has to be teeth from the disti gear or cam gear but I pulled the dist and it looks ok. I looked down the disti hole at the cam and tapped the motor over. I don't see any teeth that look damaged.

[MrQuick]

They sort of look like teeth.....those look cast, i'd say its part of your block, maybe the bottom of the piston bores. Well if they are teeth, lower timing chain gear?? Most are forged though.

[sgernon]

After looking at it more I'm leaning to the timing gear as well. I think the lack of a cam button and 7K+ revs at the track might have had something to do with it. I can't remember what brand I bought before but think a billet one is due this time. I'll have the timing cover off tomorrow and will post what I find

[newmexicosaint]

I would agree it certainly looks like timing gear...

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Timing Gear..

[sgernon]

Cam gear was the issue. Since I'll be pulling the engine out I suppose it's time for some upgrades...

Darker area in the chain is where some teet are missing.