Component question gear drive timing

[Chevrolet4x4s]

Is there any way short of pulling the timing cover to see if my 1996 6.5N/A diesel engine has gear drive timing or not.
Thanks
Shane

[DmaxMaverick]

Pull off the oil filler pipe and shine in a flashlight. You should be able to see the top of the cam sprocket and chain. The gear drive you will see on top is the cam to IP gears. The sprocket is behind the cam/IP gear.

What makes you think you may have a gear drive? They didn't come from GM that way, and they are expensive. Usually, if someone installs one, they brag about it.

[Chevrolet4x4s]

I was told on another site that some of the 6.5s came with factory gear drive timing.......and was a curious.When I get a chance I'll head out to the garage and take a look at the engine and see Which it is when i figure it out I'll try to remember to post my findings
Thanks
Shane

[DmaxMaverick]

Unless you have reason to believe someone put it in there, save your time. The Duramax has OEM gear driven timing, but never the 6.5. The only source for a 6.5 gear set is aftermarket manufacturers, and not many of them.