I will be installing a LE1 cam in the near future. My engine currently has 76K on the stock set.

I want to replace the timing set but I want to keep the mechanical water pump to ensure the most cooling reliability.

It appears that my options are the stock timing set and the extreme duty timing set. There may even be others that work with the LT1 that I am not aware of. Please don't try to talk me into the electric water pump, I am aware of the HP gains but I want piece of mind that comes from the cam driven unit.

Can I run the LE1 cam with a stock timing set or should I get something like the heavy duty. Can I just replace the chain and use my current gears.
Thanks

 

Whatever you decide, get a timing set. They wear as a set and should be replaced as such.

 

Good enough, but do I have to have a heavy duty one for a LE1 cam?

 

"Have to" is a subjective thing. There are lots of people that run cams with the stock set (I would not run a high revver or track car with one). People that have the money and want the piece of mind go for the more expensive parts. It's just how much you want to spend on "insurance".