Timing chain sets

[Marty51]

I'm lost in a sea of information! I'm about to remove the timing cover to replace some leaky seals on my '95 Z28. I'd like to replace the timing chain and sprockets while everything's apart but I don't know what kit to purchase. The car has a lot of miles so there's no reason to look for anything too pricey. Should I go with stock replacement or aftermarket? Are there any brands to stay away from and where would be a good place to order said parts from?

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

I don't know anybody who has used an aftermarket set for the LT1 besides the overpriced LT4/Cloyes extreme duty unit. I see that NAPA has a set for $544 (Yikes). Others might be cheaper. I think there's basically 3 units offered by GM including the first one I mentioned. The upper sprocket is expensive due to the machining for the waterpump drive. Some guys have ditched the waterpump drive and ran an electric pump, then used a Chevy double roller set - I am not suggesting that you do this - just mentioning it FYI. I'm not sure how many miles you got on your car or how much wear you have on your parts. I replaced my stock unit at 17k (Mobil 1) when I did my cam, so you can have it if you want - only, don't know at what point in their life the parts should not be reused - anyway, email me if U are interested. Most of the parts I took off my car looked like new. Some stretch in the chain, no doubt, but I think that happens early in it's life.

[Torque]

Summit sells the GM performance parts true roller kit for $250 or so. It is made for larger cams where you use higher spring rates on your valvesprings. It's an easy install, cheap insurance etc.

Would definitely replace the stock chain. Have not heard of many breaking, but they definitely get loose and your cam timing will be poor over time.

While you are in there that deep, I would definitely consider sliding in a new cam.

If you are on a totally tight budget, I have a stock chain with 50k miles on it I would give you for free if you pay shipping (I am in CA).

I also have a slightly used (1500 miles) GM performance parts chain I would sell. Don't know what these go for used.

Lastly, I would not go with the Cloyes, it sells in Summit for about $100. I heard they come 4-6 degrees advanced and this will mess with your cam timing.

[BAS]

There is also an LT4 heavy duty chain.

This is not the LT4 extreme duty chain.

Originally posted by Torque
Summit sells the GM performance parts true roller kit for $250 or so. It is made for larger cams where you use higher spring rates on your valvesprings. It's an easy install, cheap insurance etc.

Would definitely replace the stock chain. Have not heard of many breaking, but they definitely get loose and your cam timing will be poor over time.

While you are in there that deep, I would definitely consider sliding in a new cam.

If you are on a totally tight budget, I have a stock chain with 50k miles on it I would give you for free if you pay shipping (I am in CA).

I also have a slightly used (1500 miles) GM performance parts chain I would sell. Don't know what these go for used.

Lastly, I would not go with the Cloyes, it sells in Summit for about $100. I heard they come 4-6 degrees advanced and this will mess with your cam timing.

[Marty51]

Thanks for the offer(s) guys. After some thought, I've decided to do this as cheap as possible and just replace the main seal. I should be able to pry it out without removing the water pump or opti. If that doesn't solve the leak I'll go back to the original plan. Thanks for the info.