badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Some aftermarket chains do. I know the OEM LS1/LS2 chains don't, not sure about LS3.

Its not uncommon to see the timing gear wear into the plate because of this.

flippincamaro

iTrader: (23)

Yea, if you have a broken pushrod and bent ones, Something (valves) came in contact with the pistons. The cam gear turns with the cam an crank, if the chain breaks the valves no longer go up an down, But as i type this im thinking maybe when the chain snapped the valves stopped but the crank -pistons did not an smacked the valves. So maybe you can get lucky an not have a bent valve. But with a broken pushrod that is some force.

boostit5.3

iTrader: (3)

i happen to have a good retainer plate and ls1 cam gear out of my 98 z28 i wont be using. the motor was junk i already sold it and dropped in a 5.3, if interested pm me ill let you get it cheap you can throw it all back together and see if you get lucky??? im also guessing the cam gear wore out the retainer until it couldnt hold the cam in anymore then when the cam slid out the chain was crooked and snapped.

c0ncEpT

iTrader: (4)

Start pulling the heads. That motor is hurt.

Only thing I can think of is the cam was installed 1 tooth off.

joecar

OP, what harmonic balancer did you have (and what condition is it in)...?

bp m1009

iTrader: (2)

installed a new stock balancer from dorman when i did the cam install

hey thanks, i appreciate the offer i only need the retainer and at this point im afraid to buy used so im probly gonna go with a newstyle one. thank you though

LS1MCSS

iTrader: (18)

The LS2 gear isn't the problem. Many people run it. I have one on my car right now. I would guess installation error.