i have a 97 z28 motor thats now a 383 and is going to run about 12psi -15psi boost. Shooting for 600hp. Im trying to finish the motor up now. What timing chain and water pump would yall recommend. Thinkin about switching to a electric water pump and and maybe the Cloyes 9-3145 timing chain set. But if i use that chain set, wont i have to delete my relucter ring and crank sensor thats in the timing cover? Or what setup would yall recommend for the motor setup, maybe heavy duty lt4 chain set and mechanical water pump? Not for sure. What do you think i should do.

 

I went with the electric water pump for the simple reason that it eliminates one of the main causes (IMHO) of Opti failure: the rear bearing (or seal) failing in the mechanical pump and leaking on the Opti.
I also used the Cloyes 3145, but had to clearance the timing cover, block the wp drive hole, etc.
It takes a bit of work; thought, careful planning and execution, including the water pump relay circuit and warning leds.
Opinions will vary on these mods, of course.

 

Is it really necessary to block the wp drive hole on the block? and won't the stock timing chain hold with the increase in HP, I've read posts here and some of these guys run the stock timing chain on 383's,355, 396 and on cams such as gm847, cc306 etc.. just wondering..

 

You don't have to block off the drive hole in the block; you do the timing cover though.

The stock timing chain will hold a good amount of power; but a lot of people upgrade just for the piece of mind.

 

when you use the cloyes 3145 chain and gear set, do you have to eliminate the relucter ring and crank sensor in the cover?