I'm wondering how many LT1 guyrs are running timing gears whether it be Pete Jackson, Summit, Edelbrock. What did you guys have to do besides use an electric water pump? Doyou have to modify the timing cover?

 

Depends on what year u have. 93-94 guys are stuck with the stock link-type set because of the nonvented opti setup. Just about every LT1 set you see will be for the 95+ cars that have the vented opti. If you have a 95+ car then the GM Extreme Duty seems to be the strongest option while retaining the stock water pump.

Jeff D.

 

Are you asking about timing chain sets or gear drive sets?

As far as the chain goes, I'm using a double roller set from combination motor sports, CSI electric water pump, and of course the vented opti conversion, since mine is a 93. I ended up using a 96 timing cover, which needed to be clearanced for the face of the chain - clearanced from and inch or so above the crank gear, to the top of the cam gear. I've heard that some people are running the double rollers and didn't need to clearance the cover, but I wasn't that lucky.

 

If you do convert to the vented setup get a 95 timing cover. It doesn't have the provision for the crank sensor that the 96-97 cars do and you don't have that sensor.

Jeff D.

 

You can also use the 96 or 97 cover for the conversion. A 20cent freeze plug caps the sensor hole at the bottom of the cover - no biggie
Since I was able to get a freebe 96 cover, no way I was going to buy a 95, when I could plug the the 96 cover for less than a quarter

So, yea... If you're doing the conversion and are buying a new cover, just go with the 95. But if you've got access to a used (cheap or free) 96 or 97 - go ahead and use it.

 

I'm pretty sure he's asking about the Pete Jackson gear drives, not a chain drive. There was a guy who used to be a regular here, but has disappeared since he sold his car. He put a Pete Jackson unit on an LT1. The timing cover required some machining. The noise played havoc with the knock sensor. He eventaully ditched it.

He has the details on his website including the install, and why he got rid of it.

Dave Wendland's Formula