Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

ls2 timing chain way to loose?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 2, 2009 | 11:21 PM
  #1  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default ls2 timing chain way to loose?



whatcha think. iv got like 3/4 to 7/8" side to side.

new chain and sprockets on NON linebored block.
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 11:32 PM
  #2  
fast01's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Farmingville, New York
Default

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the LS2 uses a chain tensioner. I may be wrong, but try typing "tensioner" into "search this forum".
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 11:34 PM
  #3  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

they do, but i guess most guys dont run them when doing a upgrade... i called texas speed when my block was being machined and they said u dont need it unless your road racing. so i decided not to get it drilled for one
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 11:54 PM
  #4  
fast01's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Farmingville, New York
Default

Hmmm, I can't say I'm familiar with that set-up, but it sucks that you're having problems. I, myself, wouldn't be comfortable with that much slack either. Anyway, good luck getting it sorted out!
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 11:54 PM
  #5  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

thanks!
Reply
Old May 2, 2009 | 11:56 PM
  #6  
01FbTaWs6's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Default

ide say no way in hell chief. I used an LS2 chain on mine and my buddys LS1 cars when doing cam swaps and neither were that loose. Ide double check and make sure you actually got an LS2 chain, or perhaps it was mis packaged?
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 12:01 AM
  #7  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

it is, was bought off group buy from yank...and he says its because i dont have tensioner...
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 12:57 AM
  #8  
01FbTaWs6's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Default

well, im here to tell you like Ive said, i have installed 2 of them and they WERE NOT that loose!!!!!! OH, neither had a tensioner either.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 3, 2009 | 01:16 AM
  #9  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

i know my buddies said same thing... scares me with thousands of dollars at risk if it breaks
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 01:21 AM
  #10  
01FbTaWs6's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Default

ide order another one from sdpc.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 01:45 AM
  #11  
LilJayV10's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (39)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,711
Likes: 999
From: Evansville,IN
Default

Originally Posted by TA4life
it is, was bought off group buy from yank...and he says its because i dont have tensioner...
Well crap, that's where I got mine at. I haven't installed it.

I deleted my last question. I re read the first post and saw it was new.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 02:02 AM
  #12  
flintwrench69's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 4
From: Mt Morris, Michigan
Default

Wow! thats A LOT of slack! I just installed my LS2 chain, I was concerned because mine had a little bit of slack but not nearly that much. I was told a little slack is normal with these, but that doesnt look right at all.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 02:58 AM
  #13  
red02Hawk's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: Owasso/Tulsa, OK
Default

i ran into a similar problem on my build, only it was about 1/2 inch of slack with a katech c5-r chain. I ordered a cloyes hex-a-just single roller, it tightened it right up and it had a heavier duty chain than the c5-r. The chain was, or was very close to an IRL chain
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 06:16 AM
  #14  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

so do not run this? get a new chain?
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 06:45 AM
  #15  
vettenuts's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,092
Likes: 13
From: Little Rhody
Default

Originally Posted by red02Hawk
i ran into a similar problem on my build, only it was about 1/2 inch of slack with a katech c5-r chain. I ordered a cloyes hex-a-just single roller, it tightened it right up and it had a heavier duty chain than the c5-r. The chain was, or was very close to an IRL chain
The standard Cloyes Hex-adjust uses the Renold chain, which is the LS2 chain. Cloyes is the OEM manufacturer. The C5R is a much better chain. The IRL chain is shot peened and a different steel. It is also blue printed and hand assembled. Also, and Katech has posted this, there are imposter C5R chains being sold for around $50. They are not the same. You should also be aware that every manufacturer makes several chains in the correct pitch, but the quality is different on each one so the mere fact that it is a JWIS chain doesn't mean anything unless you know the actual manufacturers part number. Here is a link to more information I posted in the Gen IV section a while back. Timing Chain Discussion

In this situation, I would call Mike at Cloyes tomorrow. He can be reached at the performance tech line. I am thinking you need a new timing set to correct this. Even though you already have the LS2 timing chain, you can sell them fairly easy without losing a lot of money. If you want an absolutely bullet proof setup, use the Cloyes 3153-AL, which is the true IRL chain. Bring your wallet though. Lingenfelter is the only one I know that still has this set as they haven't been made in a few years. The IRL chain is made by Renold and was developed to solve the timing chain failures they were having with the Aurora engine in the Indy League. Here is a link to the timing set: Cloyes IRL Timing Set

You can also get the IRL chain separately. Cloyes actually has some left in stock but don't send them to their vendors. You can get the chain if you call. There is a good thread on this in the Gen IV section (the link above is one of my posts in that thread). I don't think the chain alone with solve your problem though, you should get a matched set.

One other note. If the center distance is wrong between the crank and the cam bearings, you may have issues with the block itself.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 07:21 AM
  #16  
vsocks1's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Belgium, WI
Default

^^^^ I agree with Bob (Vettenuts) above. His posts and research led me to the Cloyes 3153-AL setup. I just installed it and boy....there is no slack in that setup....I was very surprised after reading all the loose chain posts!!

I would not run that setup as is....to me that is asking for trouble.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 09:29 AM
  #17  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

yeah i thought it was to loose also... to much invested in this shortblock and engine to gamble with a loose chain
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 12:16 PM
  #18  
Hi-Po's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

Wow, I did not have near that much play/slop in my LS2 chain. I just finished a few weeks ago and no way in hell I would have let that slide.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 09:57 PM
  #19  
TA4life's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Default

so should i try to get a new one from yank..or just go to dealer and see if they will swap me? its new...0 miles
Reply
Old May 4, 2009 | 04:37 AM
  #20  
vettenuts's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,092
Likes: 13
From: Little Rhody
Default

Pro-Gear also makes good stuff. Well made and accurate. Pro Gear Timing Sets
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:07 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE