Ok, have a 92 that I am in process of modifing. Need to go with an upgraded timing chain. I was looking at the GM extreme duty kit. However, this will require me to change the timing cover and upgrade the opti to the Gen II modle. Is there anything else I will need to change if I choose this option. Or is there a timing chain out there I can use that will meet my needs? I am replacing the old opti anyway.

Thanks

 

are you using an electric water pump?

 

Yes I am going back with an electric water pump. From reseach I understand I can use the old water pump housing.

 

There are no economical timing set upgrades unless you also upgrade the opti.

Oh, Cloyes did make a timing set upgrade, but think it was over $400.

 

Does upgrading the opti require anything other than the opti? Do I need to change out the timing cover with a new one? I do not have a problrm with upgrading just not sure what all need to upgrade; timing chain, timing chain cover, opti, water pump--even though I am going back electric?

Thanks

Brian

 

You'll need an opti, opti wire harness, opti vaccuum harness, timing cover, and a newer camshaft.

 

thats everything you'll need, make sure the timing cover is for a 95, the 96 cover has a hole for a crank position sensor you would need to plug if you were to get that one.

I've heard the 92's have a 1 year only plug on the opti harness and is not a direct plug in to the newer harness, can't confirm this but something you may want to look into.

As for the chain when I did my gen II conversion I went with a pro gear chain it was recommended by Lloyd from Elliot's portworks. You have to run an EWP with it but its a real nice thick chain and did not require any grinding in the timing cover for clearance. Also a very good price at about $130 shipped.

 

Maybe I'm confused, but I seem to recall reading threads where people:

(one) converted to an electric water pump in order to:

(two) allow the use of a much cheaper double roller timing chain set designed for a conventional 1986 up small block with a factory roller cam, and that :

(three) the only modification that may be needed is minor clearancing of the inside of the cast aluminum timing chain cover.

Anyone care to comment ?

 

The problem is the gen I opti on the 92-94s is driven differently then the gen II opti and the dowel on the end of the cam in the 92-94 motors is shorter so you need a specific style cam gear for the 92-94s and there arent many options to choose from. The 95+ with the gen II optis have a lot more timing chain options that work. Im not to familiar with traditional SBC timing chains but I assume they are more similar to the 95+ set up.

 

see the above sticky, "LT4 383 rebuild-lots of pictures" at page 7; I think the pin length is easily modified.

 

It's more than just pin length.

 

If you have a 92 to 94 there is no chain upgrade worth doing without first converting to the 95-96 pin drive opti and timing cover system. Finding the 95-96 timing cover is difficult at times and impossible at others. When you do find them expect to pay $75-$150. 94 B/D bodies (caprice/fleetwood/roadmaster) also have the pin drive timing cover you will need as GM changed them 1 year earlier than the Corvette and F Body.

Sometimes on 94's the cam dosen't have to be changed as the center hole is OK - but you have to measure your stock cam to be sure. Reguardless you have to have the long dowl pin. I'm positive a 92 will need to be drilled larger or changed. Any aftermarket LTX cam will have the later center hole spec.

92 Corvette's only have a 5 wire Opti harness you have to change the weather pack connector under the fuel rail cover to a 4 wire connector in order to eliminate the ground wire that is not present in 93-96 cars.

I agree that if your 92 is stock or lightly modified just put a stock replacement chain in it and upgrade to the MSD opti which at least comes with a vacum harness to make it vented. Avoid all the rewiring and hunting for an almost impossible to find timing cover.
Will

 

the devils in the details. thanks for the clarification,

 

Do you have part number for the timing chain that used and where to you buy it from?

Thanks fro the response.

Brian

 

I'm running w Cloyes 9-3145. FYI, it will probably require a little clearancing in the inner timing cover.

 

Didn't have any trouble finding my 95 timing cover but it was a bit pricey, I think I paid around $120 for a brand new one from RMS