I'm getting ready to put in my order for my ms3 and I'm going to run the patriot gold valve spring kit.

My first question I know is a touchy subject. I plan to do heads in the future but my budget just doesn't let me at the moment, anyhow, my question to you all is what size push rods do you think I should use? I heard that if I'm planning in the future to do heads then maybe I should go with 7.425 instead of 7.4. Please enlighten me.

My second question what oil pump and timing chain set is the best for the setup? Would a stock ls6 oil pump be suffice or should I get the ported one?
further more I read a lot on this site that the ls2 timing set is legit, but I want to know if it is any bad experiences?

Thanks in advance.

PS. Tearing the motor down as we speak any suggestions on getting the harmonic balancer bolt out? my e-brake is kind of weak, and its a manual. Thanks again.

and no the doesn't really help with the bolt as someone posted in a topic here about the harmonic balancer.

 

i just did a cam swap in my o2 camaro ss and i thought i would need a new timing chaing and oil pump as well but as i took it apart turned out the chain was in great condition and after drivin it a little over 4000 miles the oil pressure is right where its suppose to be and that the stock pump as far as i know. the ms3 is a much more aggressive cam so u might want to consider a ls2 timing chain and ported oil pump.

p.s. my car dynoed at 400 rwhp with my mild cam so u will not be dissappointed with ur dyno results if u get a good tuner.

 

cool thanks for the advice...

 

yeah dont buy a ported oil pump... its a gimmick. If you have an 01 or 02 when gm revised their pumps then you basically have an ls6 pump already in it. If you want more psi then shim the one you have. As for the chain i always check mine for slack and if it hasnt stretched a whole lot i stick with it. Ive heard many people breaking new chains or having lots of slack in them. Just my 2 cents

EDIT: just saw you have a 2000 and if i were you i would just buy an ls6 pump and an ls2 chain since you will have the pump out for replacement anyway.

 

Thanks again.

 

Anyone else have experience or any insight on this? Thanks.

 

My only advice is to go with the correct pushrod length for your current set up. Don't go with a set that you think will work for your future set up. Always measure.

 

well if your going the ms3 cam for sure..... why not go with a package from texas speed that includes the hardend push rods and all? gives u springs and rods with the correct length. Thats what I will be doing

 

used to have the ms4 in my car, go with a cam package from tsp, then get an ls2 chain as stated and melling hv pump from the ws6store and enjoy

 

Thanks all for the advice looks like tsp kit and a melling hv pump thanks again!