Finished my Comp Cams 221/227, .542/.560 112 installation this weekend. Included were guideplates, 7/16th studs (surprised at how much larger the stud is compared to the stock 3/8ths).

I installed my timing chain, and did about 5 revolutions of the motor, and the timing dots still lined up (with the full valvetrain on).

The stock timing chain (new) is really loose. I suspect this is normal, but I'm surprised really. Does everybody else have this same experience?

I've never seen a timing chain that is so loose.

Thoughts?

 

My thoughts are to hop on over to Thunder Racing, and buy the LT4 Extreme Timing Chain set..... It does have a juicy price tag though!!

 

Did you replace the gears as well or just the timing chain? Gears wear out too.

 

The gears look good. If the gears were worn, wouldn't they wear at the top where it wouldn't affect the slack?

 

I picked up the extreme duty timing set for my
cam swap. Now is the time to make the switch
if you are so inclined. It's a lot of work to pull it
apart again.

 

The gears and chain wear as a set. Though you might not be able to see it well, the wear is there. Even a brand new stock set seems to have a bit more slack in it than desired, so just putting a chain on old gears would probably be even more.

 

Always replace the gears and chain as a set is my advice.

The oem LT1 chain is a joke. I installed a the GMPP LT1/LT4 HD timing set that last time my engine was apart. I would highly recommend it over the wimpy LT1 chain set.