I've ended up deeper into a A/C compressor change out than I expected and need some forum wisdom. Since the water pump was removed for the a/c compressor change out and I had a ATI balancer in hand I decided to replace it also. While the balancer was removed I decided to replace the oil pump cause the pressure was a little lower than I liked but probably alright, ~ 20 psi hot idling, I was this far why not. Well while the oil pump is removed why not replace the timing chain just for good measure plus I didn't know for sure what was in there, i was told it was the LS2 chain and it probably was. I bought a new Katech chain to replace the original one and was glad I did when the cover was removed and the LS2 chain had a good amount of slack in it. Here is where I'm at, the Katech chain has the same amount of slack as the replaced chain had. I'm sure I want my timing set tighter than what I have, It has been suggested to add one of the chain dampeners but I'd rather not do that unless absoluly necessary, my block doesn't have the holes provided anyway. I'm thinking of going with a double roller from Rollmaster or Comp., but would like any advise available from you guys that have been where I'm at now. What can I expect with a double roller chain? Do they fit without cover modifications? Thanks in advance, Steve

 

Sure are right at the point for a cam change too since your that far in!


Sorry, no help with the timing chain, but I couldn't resist the comment. I'd be concerned with the extra slack in a new chain too.

 

I'm running a Katech C5R chain as well and I noticed the same thing.

It was loose back in 2004 when it went in, and it was still loose last month when I did my cam swap.

Between 2004 and now it's seen 11 road course events and over 30K miles of driving. I put it right back in.

 

They are not "tight" by any means. If you are talking a little slop its probably fine unless you mean very large amounts of slop.

 

A little loose chain is OK, why not put a cam in if you have the chain off?

 

It's got nice cam with a set of ported heads, I bought the car this way. It makes 407 rwhp with a mild tune. I'm OK with that for the street. I might end up having to live with that chain slop but I don't like it. I'd like to hear from someone that installed a double row timing set to see if that tightens up thing. I can't hardly believe GM would settle for this in production, cam timing has to be all over the place. How about it engine builders how did you handle this problem? Thanks, Steve
Here's a link to the car I bought.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRJpMqfVmuk

 

When I was doing my cam change this is the samething I got to noticing with those chains.

Cloyes makes a nice adjustable timing set with billet sprockets and heavy duty chain. That's what I used and it didn't have the slack your getting.

 

A double roller chain will require shimming out the oil pump, most of the chain sets come with the proper shims.
As long as you didn't use a high volume pump there is minor grinding required on the cover to make clearance for the pump being moved forward.

I used a double roller chain in mine when I did my H/C last year and I think it was worth the extra work some will disagree but I feel warm and fuzzy knowing what's in there.

 

This is the answer I was looking for. It sounds to me like a quality aftermarket timing set will eliminate the slack problem. Thank you for your replies. Corvettebob, I know your fuzzy feeling, just like I know that sick to my stomach feeliing when I thought I might have to live with the slack in this $140Katech chain. Steve

 

Well I now have a proper fitting timing chain installed in my motor. The Guys @ Scog & Dicky were aware of the problem with the Katech chain being loose and offered exactly what I was looking for, but had no idea they had it, as a replacement. They even sent a call tag to get the katec chain back. "Rollmaster" makes a single roller setup (as well as a double roller) for the LS1 engines and it fit perfect, I didn't need any shim for the oil pump plus there are plenty of cam position choices on the setup. I haven't got every thing back together yet but I feel alot better about this issue. Thanks to all who replied.