I'm helping my father out with his 87 300SDL(603.960). While I was visiting him in AZ earlier this year his car started blowing smoke like a battleship. Long story short, it turned out to be a blown (exhaust) valve seal. We pulled the head and had a shop do the valve job. Now dad's putting it back together. At 247,000 miles, he decided that "while I'm already in there", he'd replace the timing chain. I can't argue that logic since I'd do the same. The thing is that the new chain is much lighter than the old chain. It looks like it should be in a gas engine rather than a diesel. It even has a clip type link to close the chain rather than the old rivet type. The "indy" MB parts place he got it from verified that they sold him the right chain, he even called a couple of MB dealers in his area and they told him he has the right part, and that the new part is different from the original, they just didn't know what the difference is. He's tempted to keep his old chain since it looks so much stronger, but he's at a point now where he can't verify the stretch without doing a bunch of work he'd have to undo if he needs to replace it. What do you guys think? Have any of you used the new "lighter" chain? Any input/opinions would be appreciated. TIA.