New x100 Cam chains, not too impressed with the new ones compared to old. Use the old or fit new. What do you think?
made a video to explain my issue.

 

If the engine is the AJ26 or AJ27, then I ALWAYS use the correct old style guides and rails. (NCA2025AB and NCA1998AB)

I have a pile of the aluminum/plastic new style like you have but I don't use them with the roller chains because they were issued by Jaguar with the 'silent-running' Morse style primary chains.(From Engine (0108130000))

They always come with the chain kits you can buy online but I just use the tensioners (not the rails and guides but sometimes the chains).
The narrow chain kinda concerns me. Less metal means more prone to stretch?

Ford and Jaguar OEM tensioners are 'pricey' compared to the aftermarket kits.

The primary chains rarely fail but they do elongate (stretch) after years of use.
I always hold the old chains up to a new chain to compare length before I commit to reusing.

If the chain is noticeably longer, I discard and buy new.

 

I’ve already bought proper OEM design guides because I didn’t like them either. It was the poor design of those that made me question the chains. The new and old chains are approximately the same length. Therefore assume the old chain still in ok condition. Hence I’m tempted to re-use them.

 

Last month I just completed tensioner and guides on my 2000 with 74000 miles on it, like you I did not like the quality of the replacement chains, I reused the original primary and secondary chains with no problems.

 

Much the same as my thoughts reuse the existing chains as they seem to have limited to no wear.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

Started fitting the old chains but the wedges went in too far and a lot more than the new chains.
Changing to fit all new chains.
Thanks for the advice.