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Is it advisable to replace the chain dampener if replacing the cam?
I have a 2004 with 27k miles. I’m not sure which dampener bolt spacing it has. Articles about this seem to differ. One article stated late production 2004s had the wider LS2 spacing, but I don’t know for sure.
Is it advisable to replace the chain dampener if replacing the cam?
I have a 2004 with 27k miles. I’m not sure which dampener bolt spacing it has. Articles about this seem to differ. One article stated late production 2004s had the wider LS2 spacing, but I don’t know for sure.
Just curious, with the low mileage, what is happening that is requiring a chain damper replacement?
OK, but for us non mechanically inclined C5 owners, why do you need another/different Damper? Just asking.
Thats a good question. Although I change parts well enough, there is still plenty to learn about these cars and their mechanical quirks.
I recently learned that the timing chain dampener is there to protect the chain from whiplash when shifting aggressively. Evidently, the sudden drop in rpm between shifts, combined with subsequent demand for more rpm yanks pretty hard at the timing chain. So this little $20 chunk of plastic helps protect the chain in that regard.
There are two models, the earlier of the two having less robust materials and a narrower bolt pattern. The change to the upgraded part took place near the end of the 2004 run, but I’m not sure where that leaves me exactly…
Its not my intention to turn this thing into anything but a reliable driver that can deliver, and withstand, an occasional 5000+ rpm on-ramp blast. So not going overboard, but don’t intend to ignore a cheap part that might save my ***!
This will be my first time behind the front cover, and will check things out. It’s a lower mileage car, so I’d tend to agree with you. Mostly preventive maintenance with a few fun parts.
Thats a good question. Although I change parts well enough, there is still plenty to learn about these cars and their mechanical quirks.
I recently learned that the timing chain dampener is there to protect the chain from whiplash when shifting aggressively. Evidently, the sudden drop in rpm between shifts, combined with subsequent demand for more rpm yanks pretty hard at the timing chain. So this little $20 chunk of plastic helps protect the chain in that regard.
There are two models, the earlier of the two having less robust materials and a narrower bolt pattern. The change to the upgraded part took place near the end of the 2004 run, but I’m not sure where that leaves me exactly…
Its not my intention to turn this thing into anything but a reliable driver that can deliver, and withstand, an occasional 5000+ rpm on-ramp blast. So not going overboard, but don’t intend to ignore a cheap part that might save my ***!
Personally, and it's just my .02, this is one item I'd buy from the GM dealer. Why? Because it is a critical piece. Why, again? Because if it would crack and come apart due to heat cycles, can you imagine what even a small piece would do to the timing chain/gears? Not worth saving $10, and end up spending thousands for a new engine. Again, my .02........
Last edited by grinder11; Mar 8, 2022 at 09:42 AM.
I missed the part about "replacement". My '04 didn't have one to begin with and given the road course abuse I put the LS6 through I wanted one ASAP.
If there had been one on there, I wouldn't have bothered replacing. Like Ron said, even with some wear it's still in there preventing chain whip.
Curious what you find when you pop the cover off, mind reporting back once you dig into it?
Ive read that some engines were machined and tapped for the dampener and yet no dampener was installed. It will be a few months before I get into this, but I will post what I find.
Ive read that some engines were machined and tapped for the dampener and yet no dampener was installed. It will be a few months before I get into this, but I will post what I find.
With only 27k on the car it's almost certainly not necessary. These engines will get deep into the six-figures for miles without issues, and that includes some hard miles. If you feel like you WANT to replace it while you're there it's not going to hurt anything but it certainly borders on "fixing what isn't broken" unless you see some specific concern.
On top of that-- if you DO see something wrong with it with only 27k you might have bigger issues than just the dampener, and simply replacing it will only be treating the symptoms.
With only 27k on the car it's almost certainly not necessary. These engines will get deep into the six-figures for miles without issues, and that includes some hard miles. If you feel like you WANT to replace it while you're there it's not going to hurt anything but it certainly borders on "fixing what isn't broken" unless you see some specific concern.
On top of that-- if you DO see something wrong with it with only 27k you might have bigger issues than just the dampener, and simply replacing it will only be treating the symptoms.
Thanks for the input. Yeah, I’m getting that vibe…. Still, all the feedback helps in having some familiarity with the tasks ahead.
Timing Chain Dampener
