Well I blew my timing chain and was wondering what the best timing chain they sell because I want one strong and heavy duty. Also how hard is it to change the Timing chain on my 94z28?

 

If you're still running the water pump off the cam, then the LT4 ED. timing chain would be the top of the line, but it's expensive, and it requires upgrading to a vented opti.

Another option would be a cloyes double roller chain for a 87-96 roller SBC and an electric waterpump. I don't remember whether this would require an upgraded opti or not. Sorry, it is 4:00 am after all.

 

Unfortunately, 92-94 LT1 guys are stuck with very few options, at least right now.

The Cloyes double roller also requires upgrading to a vented opti. If you blew the timing chain and you're tearing the engine appart, might want to take advantage of the moment and put a cam in the car... this will be the major component you need for the opti conversion.

I put a cam in mine (94 engine) and I just went with a new stock chain and both new sprockets. This will probably work for most setups and I know you can get an oversized sprocket to minimize the slack in the chain but I didn't have patience to get one at the time.

Did you already see the broken chain? Because most chain failures I've seen were due to sprocket failure.

PS. I just recalled there is a new Lunati chain available for 92-94 LT1s which I was really hesitant to try (because it just came out when I was doing my swap) and now I wouldn't even mention it since I know of only one user on this board who tried one and it already failed on him.

 

I've posted it before, but here's a few expensive options:


$550 custom 92-94 timing set: http://www.dougrippie.com/drm/engine_components.htm (click on "LT1 timing sets 92-94" on the top right column).


$400 Cloyes 92-94 timing set: http://www.moreperformanceinc.com/timgchn.htm


(Neither of the above two chains require a vented opti/cam upgradge, nor do they require an electric waterpump. These are just 'beefed up' 1992-1994 specific chains -- strictly plug-and-play).

 

Serious bucks there $$$$$$$$$$$$

 

Wouldn't it be cheaper to to buy the Cloyes chain for $400 then to buy new opti and all the stuff for the conversion? I am going to be doing a cam soon and am in the same boat not wanting to spend all that money on just a conversion.

 

Yes, it would be cheaper in the long run. It's been a while since I priced it up, but excluding the new cam (required), the conversion would cost right around $500. Then you have to purchase your upgraded timing set on top of that $500, which can make a total in the $600-800 range for the opti and timing set.

Again, that's excluding the cam. Perhaps it'd be slightly cheaper thru Jason Cromer or the like, but either way, you're looking at over $500 to convert. At least, with all new parts.


The 92-94 timing sets listed above are VERY pricey, but concidering the alternative costs, they really aren't too shabby. You'll still be stuck buying the $300+ vented opti's though...

 

I wanna change my cam so what good and emission cam that doesnt need tuning would be good for me. Also I just wanna change my broken timing chain with a new one and not change to venti opti or anything like that. Pretty much I want a good and strong timing chain with no upgrade like conversion kit and stuff like that and what a good cam for my car that will work and give me power and still pass smog?

 

The CC304 should be able to pass emission with little or no tuning, and you should be able to order it to work with a non-vented opti. The CC305 would definately require tuning to pass emissions. Ion should know if it's possible or not. As far as a chain, you could get a new chain and gear set for ~$100 bucks from Napa.

 

A 305 will pass emissions with tuning, but I would recommend a hotcam kit in this case. A new GM timing chain and both new sprockets will do just fine. (you can get the cloyes oversize sprocket if you want, but you'll have to ask in a new post since I don't know the part number)

 

Just FYI ~ The oversized Cloyes crank gear (for LT1 chain) is listed in that second link I posted for MORE Performance:

Item # CLO OS GEAR
Price...$49.00


You'd probably have to specify you want the one for the OEM LT1 chain -- not the one for a heavy-duty timing set.

I'm not sure who else carries it...

 

If I did a hotcam on my car will that require tuning and would it pass smog?

 

If you want the most out of that cam (power, mileage, etc) and pass emissions - get the tuning done.