Katech/IWIS LSx Timing Chain
Best chain ever made was the Cloyes IRL. SDPC bought the remaining chains from Cloyes and they are not made any more. They may have some left or you can try LPE.
Second would be Katech. Careful of advertised JWIS chains, they are not all the same and JWIS makes several different quality chains in the correct pitch. The Katech is the best one that JWIS makes.
Second would be Katech. Careful of advertised JWIS chains, they are not all the same and JWIS makes several different quality chains in the correct pitch. The Katech is the best one that JWIS makes.
I was looking at the one Thunder Racing has listed. This is the discription listed:
"This IWIS timing chain for the GM Gen III/IV LSx engine is manufactured to a higher tensile strength for greater accuracy and longevity. These are the same chains used in the C5-R and C6-R racing engines built by Katech."
"This IWIS timing chain for the GM Gen III/IV LSx engine is manufactured to a higher tensile strength for greater accuracy and longevity. These are the same chains used in the C5-R and C6-R racing engines built by Katech."
Last edited by printmanjackson; Feb 13, 2010 at 09:10 AM.
I bought my C5R chain from Thunder, but there are some impostor chains out there now. Don't think TR would sell them though. Best give them a call and verify it is a Katech chain. I believe the package mine came in said Katech right on it.
Well, we buy our chains direct from Katech. They are the IWIS C5/6 R chains used in those engines. IMO, they are the best chains currently available. I know there are a very few of the IRL chains left as well. You would be well served by either. FWIW, I have never seen or heard of the Katech IWIS chain failing. It is the chain of choice for all of my solid roller builds.
Thanks,
Shane
Thanks,
Shane
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I'm thinking this would be a better choice over a double chain so you don't have all the clearance issues to deal with. If I need to change my cam timing I can always use a cam bushing.
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Verdad Gallardo Do a search, I think you will find broken doubles as well so a double is by no means a guarantee. I like a good single due to simplicity and the Katech chain has a very good reputation. I also e-mailed the factory in Germany some time back about this chain, they also use it on the new M5 BMW which is a high revving motor with long chains. It is a top shelf component.
Last edited by vettenuts; Feb 14, 2010 at 08:31 AM.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Sydney
In Australia Guy broke a new double chain in a 12 hr basically stock production race today in na 6.0l, only other mods are pipes and tune.The chains are doubles and supplied by the organisers this is the 2nd year they have busted one and so have a few others.
cheers
cheers
I know that this issue has been beat to death over the years but I think this point could be made... The old saying "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link" could not be more applicable. Whether single or double row, the chain itself is only as good as the weakest component. With a double row chain, you have 1 extra row of links but if one is not perfect, as soon as it fails, the chain itself is soon to follow. The main cause of failure for a timing chain is harmonic. Either natrual vibrations from the crank or cam and valvetrain build up in the chain. This causes the chain to whip back and forth and tear itself apart. If you notice, since 2005 all GM LS series engines have been equipped with a timing chain damper. The function of this peice is to combat that destructive harmonic. That being said, not all blocks have provisions for the damper and in these cases, it is suggested you run the highest quality chain you can.
Thanks,
Shane
Thanks,
Shane
I agree with Shane here that this "chain whip" is a real problem with chain wear. Even if the wear doesn't cause the chain to break it can retard the valve timing to some dergee. You could start out with a strong engine but over time slowly loose power or torque.
Does anyone have a pic that shows the difference between the LS2 and the Katech IWIS chain?
Does anyone have a pic that shows the difference between the LS2 and the Katech IWIS chain?
I agree with Shane here that this "chain whip" is a real problem with chain wear. Even if the wear doesn't cause the chain to break it can retard the valve timing to some dergee. You could start out with a strong engine but over time slowly loose power or torque.
Does anyone have a pic that shows the difference between the LS2 and the Katech IWIS chain?
Does anyone have a pic that shows the difference between the LS2 and the Katech IWIS chain?
There are pictures comparing the Katech to the LS1 original chain.
As for the timing chain damper, I am really surprised that an aftermarket company hasn't made one for the older blocks (pre-05). I always see guys looking for them and GMPP dropped them a few years ago.
As for the timing chain damper, I am really surprised that an aftermarket company hasn't made one for the older blocks (pre-05). I always see guys looking for them and GMPP dropped them a few years ago.
Katech, based on the description in that link the LS1 block doesn't have the ability to run the damper? 