Selecting a timing chain...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Selecting a timing chain...
How do I tell if a timing chain (esp dbl roller) will fit under the stock cover? (before purchasing it)?
On Cloyes website, there are several options for a 1989 (9-1145, 9-3145, etc...) The main variable is the number of slots/positions + the center distance.
How do I pick my option? (I'm probably going to need a 4-degree option). The two numbers listed above include that but I can't tell any other difference. Plus many/most chains on Summit's website list inability to fit under stock cover. Since that includes multiple engine sizes, I wonder if it's a problem for smaller motors only?
Any other recommendations for bang/buck?
BTW: Is there any well to determine which smallcaps would replace my standard HEI? TPI_Parts sells one... but's it's $120 more. (I understand either option would require coil & harness).
On Cloyes website, there are several options for a 1989 (9-1145, 9-3145, etc...) The main variable is the number of slots/positions + the center distance.
How do I pick my option? (I'm probably going to need a 4-degree option). The two numbers listed above include that but I can't tell any other difference. Plus many/most chains on Summit's website list inability to fit under stock cover. Since that includes multiple engine sizes, I wonder if it's a problem for smaller motors only?
Any other recommendations for bang/buck?
BTW: Is there any well to determine which smallcaps would replace my standard HEI? TPI_Parts sells one... but's it's $120 more. (I understand either option would require coil & harness).
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Jan 20, 2009 at 12:37 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 0
From: CA
I bought the Cloyes double roller from Napa.Used the stock marks on it.Lost the instructions,called Cloyes and their tech was very helpful on which marks to use.No problem with fit under stock timing cover.Don't foget to lube it up good before you button her up.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
The 9-3145 has three keyways -4*, straight up, and +4* degrees. That's the one I'm running in my LT1. It is a very well built, heavy duty timing set. Also, it is listed for the newer roller block engines.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh PA
I'm running a Romac billet Rollmaster. 9 keyways of adjustment. Fits under L98 cover just fine. Do a search for Romac Rollmaster online. They are very nice units and I believe they are reasonably priced, but I got mine 2nd hand like new never used so i didnt pay full price
Doesnt fit LT1 tho for some reason
Doesnt fit LT1 tho for some reason
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 1
From: Warwick RI
BTW: Is there any well to determine if this smallcap would replace my standard HEI? TPI_Parts sells one... but's it's $120 more. (I understand either option would require coil & harness).
Just my $.02
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 804
Likes: 5
From: Fresno CA
I'd go Cloyes too. I used the Hex-A-Just in my 408 and just replaced the chain in my other hi-mile 85 with a Cloyes 9-1100 Street True Roller for only around 30 dollars. When I look at the two chains themselves side by side they look about the same. The Street True Roller has multiple crank keyways too for a 4 degree advance if you want it. That 9-1100 fit just fine under my stock cover but that was on an 85 engine. Since yours is an 89 with a small nose cam (factory roller) you will probably need a 9-3145 or 9-1145 though.
Last edited by eguyett1985; Jan 21, 2009 at 02:00 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski