My friend and I just got the timing cover off (going to replace the seals, looks like one was leaking)

I figured since I was in there I'd replace the timing chain/sprockets. Looking at the new components the timing sprocket is wrong. (Probably for a 95+ LT1)

Comparing the timing chain, the one on there is much beefier looking, and comparing the lengths they are excactly the same. (We put the new one on and compared them, the backlash is pretty much the same, perhaps even 'worse' with the new one.)

The motor has ~200 kilometers on it, and I have no idea what was done on the car before I bought it (I bought it with 170K on it)

Is there a backlash specification on the chain? (I could buy a dial indicator)

What's the common 'life' on them?

Thanks!

 

Not sure what "beefier" is... I'd replace it, you should go with the LT4 chain. It is a roller chain (think bike chain). The stock chain looks like little metal plates stacked together.

 

With that amount of mileage, I would. I changed mine out at 70k when I did cam/heads.

 

Yes, I would replace, too. I personally would go with an LT4 extreme timing set, just because I've heard great things about it and have wanted one for a while now, but yeah, just one option.

 

The timing chain on LT1's seem a bit looser than the chains on other engines I've worked on over the years. Even new the chain can be moved a little...maybe as much as a quarter inch.

Since your car is a 94 with the spline drive OPTI, you can't use the LT4 timing set. Your distributor is drive by a splined shaft sticking out of the center of the cam sprocket and the LT4 set has no provision for that....the later cars, including those with LT4 engines, use a pin drive distributor.

You have few options for the stock setup but there are some. You'll have to search the web.

Good luck!