LT1 Timing Chain Slop
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
LT1 Timing Chain Slop
Just started my first LT1 (95) rebuild and found the new chain has almost as much slop as the old one??? Heard about 1/4 inch is OK???
This new one has just over 1/4 in, but I have NEVER installed a loose NEW chain before
BTW the new one is exactly same as oem from '95
Thanks, Mike
This new one has just over 1/4 in, but I have NEVER installed a loose NEW chain before
BTW the new one is exactly same as oem from '95
Thanks, Mike
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 725
Likes: 4
From: Plano, TX
Cloyes make a nice SBC double roller. You would have to switch to an electric water pump because there is no provision for a water pump drive gear. Only other option is LT4 extreme duty chain and its big bucks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 1
From: Portsmouth Virginia 396LT4 435RWHP/400RWTQ Best so far 11.26 @ 123mph
Is this 1/4" slop found after both new cam and crank timing gears were installed as well as new cam and main bearings? If so,that may be the best you can get unless you want to try another new set. They sometimes will vary slightly. You might even call Cloyes tech since they actually made the factory timing set to see if they even offer the factory single roller style chain and gear set undersize ,but I doubt it. They will probably just tell you that the 1/4" is acceptable and not to worry about it.
I have bought undersize double roller sets direct from them before and Cloyes tech was very helpful.
Rick
I have bought undersize double roller sets direct from them before and Cloyes tech was very helpful.
Rick
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
Yes everything is new. I tried putting the old chain on the new sprockets and it did have SLIGHTLY more slop...
Figures that cheap chinese chains for regular SB fit tight....maybe the chains are the same could that have something to do with it???
Figures that cheap chinese chains for regular SB fit tight....maybe the chains are the same could that have something to do with it???
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
another forum member mentioned installing the lower sprocket in the 4 degree advanced position; presumably to accommodate future (or initial ?) timing chain stretch ? cited David Vizard's book as basis for doing so.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I had the exact same condition with I changed heads, cam, chain set, etc., on my son's 96 LT1 a few months ago. New chain had the same slack as the 111K unit I removed. Had I known that I would have skipped buying a new one.
I later read that high mileage LT chains show very little wear/slack as compared to earlier versions.
BTW, when I degreed-in the new CompCams cam, it hit spot on.
Jake
I later read that high mileage LT chains show very little wear/slack as compared to earlier versions.
BTW, when I degreed-in the new CompCams cam, it hit spot on.
Jake
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
News flash--tried a L82 chain and guess what? Same chain...but it still burns me to replace a slacker with another slacker
Will order a old SB set and see if its any better. If not, I give up!
Will order a old SB set and see if its any better. If not, I give up!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
When I did my cam install many years back, I had the same issue with chain slack on the old and new timing chain. I did a internet search on the issue and found that it was a common issue on the LT1 motor.
At that time, you could get a Cloyes over size crank sprocket to fix the chain slack. So my fix was installing the oversize crank sprocket and it tighten up the chain slack.
At that time, you could get a Cloyes over size crank sprocket to fix the chain slack. So my fix was installing the oversize crank sprocket and it tighten up the chain slack.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
When I did my cam install many years back, I had the same issue with chain slack on the old and new timing chain. I did a internet search on the issue and found that it was a common issue on the LT1 motor.
At that time, you could get a Cloyes over size crank sprocket to fix the chain slack. So my fix was installing the oversize crank sprocket and it tighten up the chain slack.
At that time, you could get a Cloyes over size crank sprocket to fix the chain slack. So my fix was installing the oversize crank sprocket and it tighten up the chain slack.
When I replaced my son's 115k chain set with a new GM set and the slack was exactly the same, that told me something - tight wasn't the way to go. Even on motorcycle chains, you don't want it tight; accelerates wear. Tight creates friction and friction creates heat and accelerates wear.
So, my information is just the opposite. I'll see if I can find the reference again post it here. Then we can compare notes.
The reasoning given for the longer chain life was the chain oiling mods GM made. Drilling holes in the oil gallery plugs to allow direct pressure oiling to the chain and gears. It didn't say when that mod was made though. That's something I did to the race engines I built many years before GM started doing it. It was an 'Old Racer's' trick.
Jake
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,339
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
http://thunderracing.com/catalog/?ac...vid=4&pcid=222
They sell a oversized gear to take up the slack. I need to get one the next time I have mine apart. After a line bore mine is a bit loose to. I found this after mine was up and running.
They sell a oversized gear to take up the slack. I need to get one the next time I have mine apart. After a line bore mine is a bit loose to. I found this after mine was up and running.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
Great info guys!!! I suspect that the cam gear is made slightly "undersize" for who knows why. That would account for the slop assuming the use of a standard SB chain. I had a 350 truck motor where the chain rubbed thru the front cover....
At least there are options to try!!
At least there are options to try!!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
Back then, Thunder Racing, and More Performance sold the oversize sprocket for the LT1 chain set. But when I was looking for the part, More Performance was closing down and Thunder Racing was out of stock, so I went directly to Cloyes and purchased my part.
It tightend up the LT1 chain set to about how a normal small block double roller chain set feels.
It tightend up the LT1 chain set to about how a normal small block double roller chain set feels.
