'96 LT1 Timing Chain Replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 259
Likes: 38
From: Volcano CA
'96 LT1 Timing Chain Replacement
Ok guys, I've been all over the internet and have yet to find a definitive technique.
Replacing the timing set on my LT1 (129k) while I got the cover off. Cam/opti drive dowel is so long I can't get the upper gear and chain off like every other sbc I've ever messed with
I'm afraid to pry on it too hard as I don't want to bugger up the cam pin.
If getting it off is this fun, putting the new one on should be a real joy.
Pry harder?
Bust out the puller and remove and install as a unit?
Suggestions? Techniques?
Replacing the timing set on my LT1 (129k) while I got the cover off. Cam/opti drive dowel is so long I can't get the upper gear and chain off like every other sbc I've ever messed with
I'm afraid to pry on it too hard as I don't want to bugger up the cam pin.
If getting it off is this fun, putting the new one on should be a real joy.
Pry harder?
Bust out the puller and remove and install as a unit?
Suggestions? Techniques?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Here is what the 1996 FSM says. You can use the listed tools to do searches and such. The folks here will probably have suggestions, but GM had specific tools built for working on the front end of a Gen2 LTx engine.
You really should purchase a FSM to work on the car. One of the esteemed members here should be able to hook you up with an electronic version. I suggest you take him up on the offer if he extends it. (DH)
You really should purchase a FSM to work on the car. One of the esteemed members here should be able to hook you up with an electronic version. I suggest you take him up on the offer if he extends it. (DH)
Last edited by drcook; Aug 19, 2018 at 01:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 259
Likes: 38
From: Volcano CA
Here is what the 1996 FSM says. You can use the listed tools to do searches and such. The folks here will probably have suggestions, but GM had specific tools built for working on the front end of a Gen2 LTx engine.
You really should purchase a FSM to work on the car. One of the esteemed members here should be able to hook you up with an electronic version. I suggest you take him up on the offer if he extends it. (DH)
You really should purchase a FSM to work on the car. One of the esteemed members here should be able to hook you up with an electronic version. I suggest you take him up on the offer if he extends it. (DH)
I do have both the "War and Peace" FSM's for a 1996.
Engine Mechanical - 5.7L Page 6-105
1. Remove the crankshaft position sensor reluctor ring
2. Removethe camshaft sprocket bolts
3. Remove the camshaft sprocket
4. Remove the timing chain
It is not as simple as steps 1-4 appear, thanks to the length of the pin.
Last edited by 2LZ; Aug 19, 2018 at 03:02 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
It reads like the timing chain is nice and tight. Maybe consider leaving it on?
I would expect you would have to use a gear puller on the crank gear to move them off together. Maybe moving the dowel pin down to the 6 o'clock position would have the tolerances more in your favor to.
I would expect you would have to use a gear puller on the crank gear to move them off together. Maybe moving the dowel pin down to the 6 o'clock position would have the tolerances more in your favor to.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 18
From: St. Peters MO
Been awhile since I did one, I remember having the same problem. It's a whole lot of fun with the motor in the car!
I believe I started pulling off the crank sprocket, and when I got that part way off, the camshaft sprocket came off. So I installed the new ones in the same fashion, taking great care to have all the alignment marks lined up.
Patience.......is your friend
Installing the new crankshaft sprocket is loads of fun as well, I ended up making a tool with threaded rod, homemade washers, and not too long so it would fit, slow and steady. Use a high strength threaded rod, as it threads into the crank snout, Break something their and your expenses just shot up outta sight.
I believe I started pulling off the crank sprocket, and when I got that part way off, the camshaft sprocket came off. So I installed the new ones in the same fashion, taking great care to have all the alignment marks lined up.
Patience.......is your friend
Installing the new crankshaft sprocket is loads of fun as well, I ended up making a tool with threaded rod, homemade washers, and not too long so it would fit, slow and steady. Use a high strength threaded rod, as it threads into the crank snout, Break something their and your expenses just shot up outta sight.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 259
Likes: 38
From: Volcano CA
I'm going to whip out the puller this week and pull them together. Seems the best idea. The last thing I want to do is bugger up that opti drive pin. Told the Mrs. last night that if I messed it up, I may need to do the Hot Cam upgrade!...and since I have it apart, I may as well do the 1.6 rockers....
She then said something about redoing the backyard. I best make this work......
She then said something about redoing the backyard. I best make this work......
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 259
Likes: 38
From: Volcano CA
Got them off last night. Used the puller and pulled it as a unit.
If anyone can get a "pin drive opti" upper gear and timing chain off according to the fsm, yer a better man than I! Please share the info....
If anyone can get a "pin drive opti" upper gear and timing chain off according to the fsm, yer a better man than I! Please share the info....
