J-Train

I know its pretty customary to change your oil pump and timing chain while you are in there while swaping a cam. Question I have though is it really necessary? Is the increased size cam going to cause added stress to the stock timing chain and oil pump? I have never heard of a LS1 timing chain breaking or having any oil starvation issues with the stock LS1 oil pump in stock long block form. Is it just something that is pretty much done as a precautionary upgrade measure that makes sense to do while you have it apart as the parts are pretty cheap? I can see it on a higher milelage car which I am sure most the f-bodys are by now (but not all)

VandykeT/A

I woudn't say mandatory but definately a good idea. Valve springs however are mandatory with a cam.

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

Well the LS2 chain is a little stronger so I would definitely drop the $40 on that. The earlier LS1's had oil pump issues with the pressure spring sticking but they were straightened out by 02 so that so not critical.....

Camaro Z

iTrader: (5)

I would upgrade to the LS2 Chain, 40 dollars is cheap insurance. When you see the two chains side by side you will be glad you did it. I wouldn't worry about the oil pump unless you have a really high mileage car or an extreme setup.

A.R. Shale Targa

iTrader: (2)

For sure on the ls2 chain as stated only 40 bones. My oil pump only had
15 thousand miles on so I disassembled it ported (radius) the inlet and
outlet holes and shimmed the spring about .060. I have 60psi cold startup
and 40 @ idle hot. I believe this helps w/ elevated spring pressures and
the hydraulic lifters following more aggressive lobe flanks. Just make sure
you reinstall the geroter gear the same way it came out as one side is
beveled to not chew up the aluminum casting.

R6cowboy

iTrader: (3)

^ Agreed


Not manditory but definately worth it. At least LS2 chain, at $40 why not. Upgrading the oil pump is a precautionary upgrade and I say definately do if the mileage is getting up there.

J-Train

Thanks for all the posts guys. They cleared up some stuff for me.