BlueBird346

iTrader: (13)

Does anyone know if these can be used with the newer style cam retainer plate, that has the counter sunk bolts?

With a Katech C5R chain, should I even bother with a damper?

I may do some road course type stuff in the future, so I'd like to not have to worry about it.

ls1 1990 VN

Can't see why not.
I run the Cloyes Hex a just gears & C5R chain, also added the Trickflow bracket so I could use the LS2 damper. Insurance in fitting is better than not fitting & always wondering.

ckpitt55

iTrader: (4)

no reason to run the newer style retainer plate when the older one is available and cheap.

BlueBird346

iTrader: (13)

Where can I get the old style from? Already bought the new one, did a quick search and didn't see the old style tho.

RonSSNova

iTrader: (3)

What engine are you working with?
Is the block drilled for the damper?
I believe the early blocks weren't drilled, so if that's the case, use the trick flow setup.
If an early block that's drilled, I believe the damper is discontinued, so you will still need the TF part.
If its the later block, with the holes drilled, I believe Brian Tooley has the dampers.
My L33 was drilled, so I bought a damper. Running the std cloyes hex adj setup
Ron

BlueBird346

iTrader: (13)

Yea it's a '99 LS1. My main problem is will it fit the newer cam retainer plate, and if not, where can I buy an old style.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

It doesn't matter which cam plate you use, the TFS damper kit comes with button head bolts that you use when the damper plate goes over the cam plate

Just buy whatever cam plate that you can get the cheapest

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Anyone got photos of this install. Have always been curious about it. As for the cam plate, I think guys were buying them somewhere other than GM. Can't remember where but it was posted in a thread about a year ago.

OP, if you plan road racing my opinion is the damper is a must. There is an issue with chain wrap when decelerating that can break the chain. The damper prevents this.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Here I found one

ckpitt55

iTrader: (4)

Rock Auto has them, VICTOR REINZ Part # B31822.

Here are a few pics from my install.

Coonass350

iTrader: (19)

Been wondering what it looked like setup. Thanks for posting the pics

BlueBird346

iTrader: (13)

Thanks guys. Guess I'm gonna pick up a few of these parts soon.

.boB

iTrader: (1)

On a similar note.

I recently read that you should not re-use the cam retainer plate. You should always replace it. Is that true?

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

If your tearing down a high mileage engine then yes replace it because the gasket will be completely flat..

If its new and you only have 20k-30k miles on it then you might be able to reuse if the gasket is still raised and spongy. Use your own judgement though!

Keep in mind they are only $20 bucks, so if its questionable then replace it.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Great photos guys, thanks.

mchicia1

iTrader: (5)

Very cool, I didn't know anyone had a product like this.

studderin

iTrader: (28)

yes, seen this on high mile cars. And replace them. Same on cars that have been over heated. I dont know the history of every car but some that have the covers and gasket bonded, like you have to rip the seal off probably were.

new and fresh under 2 year 20K cam plates you can see and feel the seal soft and raised above the plate surface, and most plates with miles are flat

BlueBird346

iTrader: (13)

Yep mine has 150k on it. That's why I bought the new one.

Beatdown Z

iTrader: (18)

X2, thats pretty neat.

ckpitt55

iTrader: (4)

I'm running the Cloyes hexajust timing set on my setup - with everything installed there is very little play in the chain. It was actually kind of difficult to install, but that's a good thing imo. Nice, tight fit.

Upgrading your chain and installing this damper are great changes to make while youre in there, especially if road racing. This would compliment a good harmonic (crank) damper nicely.