97AutoXVette

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

helga203

Simple LS 2 chain great upgrade under $60 guys in the FI section are pushing 800whp with this chain no problem. I also upgraded to this chain myself. GL

97AutoXVette

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?

vettenuts

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.

helga203

GM dealer by me have plently in stock i just did mine and yes i would use damper i did holds the chain taught and perfecto. IMO

97AutoXVette

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

helga203

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

helga203

Don't know about predrilled but the dealers name is Jenning's Cheverlet in Glenview,Il don't know zip good luck

97AutoXVette

helga203.. looks like I just missed you, please see my comment at 9:19 and let me know what you think

97AutoXVette

Got it.. Thanks!!!

MG RED 99

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?

97AutoXVette

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!

McAllister513

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.

vettenuts

You need new springs. Lift is only part of the question, ramp rate and accelerations are others. PAC 1218's are worth looking into.

vettenuts

Is this the tan LS1/6 version?