good morning guys , how hard is it to change the timing chain on a 98 z?

 

Not real easy but not horrible. While you're there you might as well change the cam and upgrade the oil pump. Get an LS2 chain. They're much beefier than the LS1, fits right on the cogs and costs ~$35.

 

You'll need to pull the water pump and crank pulley off to get the timing cover off. I'm trying to remember if anything else is in the way of the cover or not. If there isn't you'll be looking at the oil pump and timing chain at this point. So thats basically all the work besides removing the chain itself, I'd upgrade oil pumps while being in there.

 

thanks 4 the info guys

 

Oil pump has to come off to change the timing chain, so it's probably a good idea to replace it. The bolt holding the pickup tube and the o-ring can be tricky. Be careful.

 

can I just use the ls2 chain or do i have to change the whole assembly?

 

Stupid question I know. It doesn't require a puller to pull the balancer off right? If I remember correctly....just the center bolt. Thanks

 

Yes it does and to install it properly you should have a balancer installer tool.

 

And you'll need a new bolt.

 

for the timing chain? which bolt? just curious, taking notes for when i do mine.

 

The bolt for the balancer that you'll have to remove to get to the cover.

 

Why would you need a new bolt for the balancer?? That's probably one of the biggest bolts on the entire car!! (it takes what, a 22mm socket I think, right?? ) ... why would you need a new one of those if you pull the balancer off??

 

Supposedly it is torque to yeild.

 

ok, i have new one only 3k miles old (came with h/c) should i replace it again then?

 

If you torqued it, yes.

To swap the timing chaing you might as well get a cam change gasket kit and IIRC it comes with the gasket kit.