My chain has what looks like some markings like "JWs" or something like that. I am going to upload a pic. Just curious how you identify a true C5R chain. I paid $150 for it and I know VR is legit company so not questioning them, just more curious before I throw this on my 416 this week.

 

 

I just bought one from katech the other day. Looks similar to yours. Is there another stamp on it somewhere? Mine has the Katech logo on one link

i bought from Katech because I came across this link where Katech said that Hinson motorsports is knocking the chains off.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...ame-price.html

 

I do understand why this thread would be moved from C7 Tech to C5 tech, but we need to keep this in the C7 Tech section b/c they still use the same C5R timing chain in C7 applications. In fact, this is going on my new 416ci stroker from Texas Speed for my 2017 Procharged Z07. So it's really more applicable to C7 than it would be a C5, for my intents and purposes. I think those who use the C5R chains in C7's would like to find that in the search. Just my thoughts..

Thanks,
Michael

 

I appreciate the feedback. I bought it from Vengeance Racing and I work with David quite a bit over there and have spent many thousands with them, so I doubt they are pulling that same scam. I really just wanted to educate myself on how you truly identify one. So you have the same marks on each link? I have bought many parts from Katech as well but just happened to get this chain from VR since I also purchased the LME Billet VVT delete kit from them which uses a modified LS3 cam sprocket. So I purchased all of it together. I feel confident with Vengeance I am just curious what these markings say? Thank you!

 

That is the “JWIS” marking from the German manufacturer IWIS. They make the C5R chain, along with chains for a number of other aftermarket manufacturers and car makers. JWIS chains are known to be very strong and reliable, hence the reputation of the C5R chain.

https://www.iwis.com/en-gb/products-...5-1-jwis~p4767

 

Starting from the middle of the year last year, we started laser etching the Katech /K into the chains to help reduce the amount of fakes getting out there. at 1:06 you can see a picture of the chain and the K that is etched into it.

 

lol. Well then why the heck you asking the question. If you trust your supplier and you spent “thousands” with them seems like you’re good. Or call your supplier and ask them. I’m confused by this thread. Perhaps the many thousands would get you an answer faster by calling Dve than posting on the Internet. Just a thought.

 

What's confusing. David is a salesman for Vengeance which I do trust, but there has been a ton of confusion on which chains are "real" and which are not. So why is it confusing for me to want more information regarding facts on the engraving and more info on the real vs. fake chains? Isn't this exactly what a forum is for? Asking questions, getting feedback. Sorry, this didn't seem to fit within your limits of a valid forum tech post you could have chose to just not respond. What exactly does it hurt to ask for more info? And btw, David is busy as hell and the coronavirus is making it harder to reach people, so the forum which I've been a member of for nearly 20 years seemed logical, but what do I know....

 

Well, I for one, appreciated the question,

I clicked in just on the off chance that I might pick up some useful information, one never knows about knowledge,adn chains are always important, but I can see no conceivable future where I will be able to use it. Anything with a timing chain is too critical for me to attempt a perfect result on the first try.

Second though, I did learn the identifying stamp of a trusted chain maker. Good to know with counterfeit parts now a reality, and, If I ever get trivial pursuit, the mechanics edition, for Christmas.

 

I would recommend calling David and asking him “hey did you sell me a fake chain?” short of that, it’s hard to tell over the Internet whether they screwed you. They just posted on Instagram 6 hours ago. Doesn’t look like they are slowed down by the virus. I left a comment on their last post saying they might have sold you a fake chain. Hopefully they chime in.

 

I am not trying to second guess your plans, and I am coming from a relatively uninformed position. However, in another thread I was watching an engine builder on U tube saying how some kits bring down the piston skirts so far they are no longer controlled by the cylinder walls and rock , then start the travel back up , bad situation.

a guy in the thread tied that information to his Texas speed stroker kit he had yet to install. Hopefully this is not a concern for you,

I just thought I would pas it on , since the builder mentioned something about 2,000 miles . I checked my history, but didn't find the info so you could find it easily.

It was in a thread about manifolds, and the the guy , covered a couple of topics. I think it was some kind of U tube series, LS1 or something. The builder had a name I thought I recognized from Hot rod engine builders challenges, he seemed young to be a pro builder for almost 25 years.

He was talking about engine blocks, and how he sometimes uses specific race bock castings to keep the the piston skirts straight with bigger cranks. To separate out one part of the discussion.

 

I'm pretty sure David would completely ignore this by using common sense. He's been great to me for years and knows I do all my builds myself. So I am by default inquisitive by nature and just because I want to understand the issues of fake chains and what the stamps mean in no way is some insult or questioning VR business practices. Honestly what makes less sense is why I am even feeding into this nonsense and responding. So at least you got me there. Good for you. Take care all the best bud.

 

And if this is Jason @ Katech or another rep I appreciate you taking the time to help clarify how you guys stamp your chains to prevent some of the confusion. Hopefully, this helps others out there who may be a bit confused and maybe some vendors follow the same route for clarity.

 

Thanks and I appreciate you helping with that info. It's was definitely a concern and I worked very closely with Avery and others at Texas Speed to ensure my specific specs would be trouble-free. In fact the short block I went with was way over built all billet internals, dalton sleeves, best bearings, CP forged pistons, forged crank, etc. rated at 1400 wheel. I plan on detuning mine a bit if it's at the 1200 wheel mark I want to stay around 1150 ish on E85. I am installing it myself this week doing final engine assembly right now and all the tolerences were dead on and I checked the rotating assembly for skirt clearance and it looks well within spec. TS knows much more about it than I do so I would defer to them for more specific questions, but I do know the new 416's (I wanted a smaller bore since I'm boosted) have been doing very well lately. They have a very similar almost exact build that has over 300 dyno pulls and pushing over 1250 wheel. So I am comfortable and it damn sure looks like a work of art. They do amazing work. I would only go with them or LME. But the way they resleeve the block allows more travel for the longer stroke which in my case should be within spec. I mean **** we're talking $10k for a short block alone it better be right!! Break in is key, but I've done swaps before last one was a 388 all-bore (4.125" bore) resleeved and it worked great. Was a nitrous motor. I just enjoy building custom projects so the fun part to me is throwing all this together at home on my lift. I truly have as much fun building it as I do driving. That's what it's all about.

And I need to say Vengeance and Texas Speed, even Katech has been wonderful with support and service. I am glad we have some solid vendors on here. My third corvette in 20 years and won't be my last for sure. Kids slowed me down for a while lol...

 

the link I provided in the very first response to this thread explains the knock off c5r chains. Vengeance racing is not on the list of approved vendors thus they must have bought it from somewhere.....hopefully Katech itself.

ive provided you with all the information you’ve requested. What other guidance can we provide you?

 

Great news. Vengeance racing responded to me on Instagram and said they will post a response on this thread to address the op’s concerns of the fake chain. Pretty cool and it only took a quick message. These companies are some of the best in the business. They are always super responsive to questions about their product. Thanks for posting op! You should have your question answered by the source themself shortly!