LS1 timing chain upgrade needed??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati OH
LS1 timing chain upgrade needed??
I am in the process of aquiring parts to build my LS1 in the 97 C5. going with LS6 heads, LS6 intake, comp 224/228 with a 112LSA and right around .550-ish lift. Hoping to use the stock LS6 springs (off a 2004 Z06).
My question is should I upgrade the stock ls1 timing chain setup? I have no idea what kind of power it is rated to or if the valvetrain/H/C upgrade is going to put it under too much abuse. I'd rather be safe than sorry if an upgrade is needed.
If so, any recommendations?
Thanks
My question is should I upgrade the stock ls1 timing chain setup? I have no idea what kind of power it is rated to or if the valvetrain/H/C upgrade is going to put it under too much abuse. I'd rather be safe than sorry if an upgrade is needed.
If so, any recommendations?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,002
Likes: 722
I am in the process of aquiring parts to build my LS1 in the 97 C5. going with LS6 heads, LS6 intake, comp 224/228 with a 112LSA and right around .550-ish lift. Hoping to use the stock LS6 springs (off a 2004 Z06).
My question is should I upgrade the stock ls1 timing chain setup? I have no idea what kind of power it is rated to or if the valvetrain/H/C upgrade is going to put it under too much abuse. I'd rather be safe than sorry if an upgrade is needed.
If so, any recommendations?
Thanks
My question is should I upgrade the stock ls1 timing chain setup? I have no idea what kind of power it is rated to or if the valvetrain/H/C upgrade is going to put it under too much abuse. I'd rather be safe than sorry if an upgrade is needed.
If so, any recommendations?
Thanks
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati OH
Thanks for the info. I have also read that this chain is a good upgrade. However, is it true that I will need a dampener? I have heard that there is some "slack" when upgrading the the LS2 chain and a dampener may be needed. Thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
The timing chain damper is a good upgrade, but they are very difficult to find at this point. If you auto cross at all I wouldn't go without it as there are harmonics in the upper RPM range that this damper is made for. A stronger chain won't fix this. Also, be very careful if you go with an under drive pulley and avoid ASP. ATI is the best one out there. This selection can also impact timing chain life as well so there is more to having a good timing setup than just the chain itself.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati OH
Can you give me the contact info for the GM dealer by you that I can get a damper from? Also, do you think my 97 C5 LS1 is already drilled for the damper? (So I could just bolt it in and go?)
I appreciate it guys
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,002
Likes: 722
No there is no slack when i replaced mine which my old one was slacked by an inch on each said of the chain thank goodness i had to go in there. The ls 2 istalls taught perfect. IMO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,002
Likes: 722
Excellent. I found an LS2 chain from Vengence Racing for $55 this morning. its going on the list.
Can you give me the contact info for the GM dealer by you that I can get a damper from? Also, do you think my 97 C5 LS1 is already drilled for the damper? (So I could just bolt it in and go?)
I appreciate it guys
Can you give me the contact info for the GM dealer by you that I can get a damper from? Also, do you think my 97 C5 LS1 is already drilled for the damper? (So I could just bolt it in and go?)
I appreciate it guys
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
Just some other questions about your build. Are you replacing the oil pump with a higher flowing unit? My builder went with a double roller timing chain from Comp Cams I believe just an fyi. I assume new pushrods and I would really get new springs with the heads. Are these used heads?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati OH
I am thinking about going with a high volume oil pump but not sure if it is needed. Do you have any insight in this? Also, I did get hardened 7.4" pushrods. The heads are used 243 casting and they have the stock springs on them (heads have ~6300 miles). I believe these springs are good to 0.670 lift so I wasnt planning on replacing them yet considering the cam I am going to go with is mostly increased duration and not too much lift. (0.534" intake, 0.537" exhaust). But please, let me know if it sounds like I am going to mess things up!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Dalton GA
Don't get a high volume oil pump get a high pressure oil pump if you get one at all. I'm actually about to do all the H/C/I myself and have made a list of everything I need. The oil pump we need for our car is a Melling Part #10295 and can be purchased at Summit Racing for around $120.
Also, just in case you want to know why high pressure instead of high volume. The guy at Texas Speed said that the high volume is made for aftermarket oil pans and the high pressure is for stock oil pans! Hope this helps you out. And anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of this. I'm also still learning all of it.
Also, just in case you want to know why high pressure instead of high volume. The guy at Texas Speed said that the high volume is made for aftermarket oil pans and the high pressure is for stock oil pans! Hope this helps you out. And anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of this. I'm also still learning all of it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I am thinking about going with a high volume oil pump but not sure if it is needed. Do you have any insight in this? Also, I did get hardened 7.4" pushrods. The heads are used 243 casting and they have the stock springs on them (heads have ~6300 miles). I believe these springs are good to 0.670 lift so I wasnt planning on replacing them yet considering the cam I am going to go with is mostly increased duration and not too much lift. (0.534" intake, 0.537" exhaust). But please, let me know if it sounds like I am going to mess things up!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
