I am just curious. Is it possible to install a pete jackson gear drive on a LT1? I would think the timing cover would need to be modified, but could it be done?

 

Some people have tried doing this but had alot of issues picking up false knock.

 

Here's a link to a guy who did it and posted some photos:

http://www.dw-zone.com/

Click on "My 94 Firebird Formula...", scroll down to 1999 (installed it), and then look at 2000 (removed it). If you click on "396ci stroker rebuild" in 1999, it links to a description that covers the PJ Gear drive, and the timing cover clearance.

 

Installed the Pete Jackson Gear Drive on mine, wasn't hard, front of block has a small area that has to be ground down a little for idler gear pinion clearance, you have to use a different (longer) woodrif or shear pin on the crank which extends long enough to catch the CPS crank position sensor and you also have to use a shim, I found a machined flatwasher from Sears hardware that fit perfect (I clearanced for the crank shear pin is all) and you have to grind down about an 1/8" from the crank seal housing inside portion of your timing cover. It does not affect oil sealing, doesn't even touch the seal at all once ground down. You'll need an Elect Water Pump as well, ditch the WP gear drive, etc.

It works like a charm. You need the Pete Jackson in Summit that states (not for LT1 use), that's actually the one you need. It states not to use it due to the knock module in OBDII. You will need your PCM tuned to detect zero knock and of course if you hear knocking out of the ordinary shut it down yourself.

I've had mine in for a month and it's the Silent Drive, has no whine, does make a slight whistle when idling down but it's nice. I've yet to see a comparable setup for a timing chaing, yet I would not rule against a Cloyes Double Roller setup. Only reason I use the PJ setup was being told it couldn't be done. Pretty easy actually. I'll post some pics here soon, I am building the 396 and on dissasembly I'll capture the main points you need.