After reading through old posts I am still not sure on what my options are for my 94 timing set. I am not going to change to the vented opti as mine is working perfectly fine. Can I just upgrade to the 95 cover then use a double roller and electric water pump? Or do i just need to stick with a stock replacement?

 

1994 Options:


1) Stock

2) Cheap/questionable $109 Lunati set from Summit Racing

3) $400 1992-1994 Cloyes from More Performance

4) $550 custom 1992-1994 from Doug Rippie


That's it. At least, that's all I've found.


The problem with the 1994 set is that there's a splined shaft in the center of the cam gear, which protrudes thru the timing cover to drive our optisparks. Aftermarket sets DONT have this splined shaft, and neither do the 1995+ cars. You could put them in your car, but you wont have a functioning ignition or fuel delivery system. Cant do it.

Thus, if you want to run a standard SBC timing set, you need the 1995+ vented optispark / 1995 camshaft / 1995 wiring harness / 1995 timing cover / and 1995 vacuum lines. Then you'll need an electric waterpump.

 

I wanted to know the same thing and I was told the SBC sets work with 93-97. So the splined opti drive doesnt matter. See here: http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...56#post2289356
I'm going to upgrade to a Cloyes either way when the time comes. http://www.cloyes.com/images/CloyesH...rmCat-2002.pdf

 

The information in that thread is flat-out incorrect.

I'm running the Cloyes 3145 double-roller timing set (the exact one you're looking at), and it is made for 1995+ models. It WILL NOT work on a stock pre-'95 vehicle. No if's, and's, or but's about it.


Again, you need more than just a timing cover to convert. Most importantly, you need a new camshaft, as your current dowel pin and cam snout opening are too small for the vented optispark.

SBC timing sets ONLY work on '95-'97 models, and even then, an electric waterpump must be used (due to the SBC sets lacking the extra teeth on the back to drive our internally-driven waterpump -- unique to the LT1 engine). And, the timing cover usually needs to be clearanced. It took me several hours to grind down the backside of the timing cover...


[EDIT] You'll note that the person telling you "it will work" drives a 1995 vehicle, which has the vented optispark from the factory. Most 1995+ vehicle owners aren't aware of the differences, because it was never any of their concern. The pre-95 vehicles are a whole new ball game when it comes to the opti and timing gear setup.

 

*****

I didn't want to spend that much money. What kinda of horsepower will the stock one take? Im not using turbo/super charger, nitrous though.

 

TImming chains have nothing to do with power. The stock and low priced set are simply weaker and will streach easier and sooner.

The general consensis seems to be as long as you are not going crazy with a high lift cam and heavy springs, the stock replacement set will do just fine.

I'm not sure what I'll do yet, but I'm leaning toward the Lunati set from Summit

 

will the Lunati timing set work on a 96 with vented opti? or will it require an elec. water pump ?

thx

 

None of the timing sets I listed will work on a vented opti -- they were designed for use on the 1992-1994 LT1 only. Furthermore, I'm not certain if Lunati makes a 1995+ timing set.

If I were you, I'd stick with the HD LT1/LT4 timing set (~$200), or perhaps you could run an electric waterpump and get the $80 Cloyes 3145 like mentioned above. Otherwise I'd stick with stock. Just depends on how much reliability you want, and how much money you want to put into it.

 

Thanks Alex. I knew that guy wasnt right and I can tell that you have done your research. I checked out your old posts. The Cloyes that does fit is ~$344 through Summit. i.e. still wayyyy pricey. I guess I'm stuck with stock then.

 

Im not trying to steal your thread... But I also have a 94 and I was wondering what timing chain to use as well. I thought the LT4 timing chain was better and is a direct replacement for the 1994? I am pretty new to the fbody scene so I could defiantly be incorrect. However if anyone could shed some light on this subject I would appreciate it.

I am in the process of having my block rebuilt and need to know what to look for as far as a timing chain as well. Also, will we need an electric Water Pump if we decide to switch to an aftermarket Timing Chain such as the LT4?

Thanks again. Hope these questions will help both of us out.

 

No problem. I think I'm just going to get the Lunati set too. I guess its basically a stock replacement. Since I'm not doing anything wild it should be fine.