rikhek

A broken LS2 timing chain on my LS1 mild head/cam engine prompted me to install a timing chain dampener. I also put in a Katech C5-R timing chain manufactured by IWIS.

As many know the "beige" LS1 dampeners with ~2.1" bolt hole centers are no longer available. The "black" LS2 dampeners with ~1.7" centers are available. Problem is the bolt hole centers on the "black" dampeners don't match the bosses on the LS1 block.

The solution we came up with was to modify a "black" dampener. We milled out a little of the inner webbing on a "black" dampener and fabricated two 0.125" aluminum inserts and bushings. Measured proper bolt hole spacing and drilled the inserts.

Also had to drill and tap my block to install. Some early LS1 blocks came from the factory drilled. Mine did not.

Probably would have been easier to buy a chunk of nylon and trace out a pattern using a "black" dampener, however, we were unsure of the type of nylon to use which would stand up to the application....

Photos are provided below. I don't have a photo of an unmodified "black" dampener but a link to one is provided.

On a closing note, damage to my engine was limited to the heads. Had to replace all valves and have them milled. Lot of labor and money....

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P2276C119.aspx


Rick

Bill Curlee

I called Fitchners A while back and they still had some in stock. Give that a try. I purchased some.

Bill

vettenuts

I guess UPS never came through

rikhek

Bill,

You're a funny guy..... I can pretty much guarantee you I wouldn't have done what I did if one was available.

I wasn't able to find a new OR used one ANYWHERE in the country. I spent over 2 weeks searching. I did find a used one from a Forum memeber in the NW but believe it or not UPS lost the package. Only one I was able to find in the entire US and they lost the freakin' package.

Rick

P.S. Knowing you I don't think your post was an attempt at humor. If it was after what I've been through in this quest and repair you can rest assured the humor is lost on me...........

mathia

Great idea! Would you be interested in making some more for sale? I really want to put a damper on mine when a put in my H/C package. I wonder if the new LS3 damper design could be retrofitted in a similar manor.


Matt

dmiz0420

The ONE thing I didn't do in my build... a timing chain dampener...

What breaks timing chains?

Obviously alot of HP, but how is it being applied.

rikhek

Not really interested in producing. Too much work and takes too long. It's a pain in the ***. If I had to do it again I'd

1. Research the type of nylon which is suited for this service and buy a chunk of it;

2. Make a template from a "black" LS2 dampener;

3. Measure proper bolt hole placement incorporate onto template'

4. Drill and install bushings.

ere have been several posts talking about retrofitting the "spring loaded" LS3 dampener. I don't think it's doable, but, am not 100% certain. I've read all there is on the subject and am not aware of anyone doing the retrofit. There is one Forum member who stated he bought a LS3 engine with dampener as he was tired of breaking chains in his LS1. I think he said a retrofit wasn't practical/doable.


Rick

rikhek

There is a lot of threads discussing the issue. Do a Search.

The breakage usually occurs on cars subjected to road racing usage. Increased HP doesn't help but doesn't seem to be the main contributing cause. Hell, my HP is only 420 to the wheels with 415 ft-lbs. General theory is the chains don't stand up to sustained high RPM usage. Drag racers don't generally experience the problem. I'm not aware of any "street" cars breaking chains.

Rick

rikhek

Bastards....

mathia

Thanks for the info Rick! I take it there's not enough material on the block to just drill the holes closer together to fit the LS2 damper?

vettenuts

Like I said in the e-mail, if your luck is like mine it will show up later when the car is running.

Good solution. I wish we could get the material type from GM. Maybe I will PM Robin again.

rikhek

We looked at it and discussed. Didn't think there was enough and the raised bosses were also an issue.


Rick

runamuk

You forgot to look in my garage since I have a new one still in the package. I guess I didn't see the post that you were looking for one.

I think I paid around $70 for the one I have, how much are the LS2 dampers going for?

vsocks1

I will buy the one you have...I need one!
Please PM me payment info!

mathia

Darn, you beat me to it! Well, if anyone else out there has an LS1/6 timing chain damper, I want one as well.

geezel

Me too! If anyone has one, please PM me.

Rob's 73

The LS2 dampers are less than $20. The LS1/6 were going for about $130 when I was looking for them. Now they are gone.

printmanjackson

has anyone been successful retro fitting the spring loaded LS3 to the LS1?

this would be a really kewl thing if someone could pull it off.

MG RED 99

What about using a double roller timing chain for more strength?

printmanjackson

that doesn't correct the problem.