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So I’ve got the guts open on my LS, replacing the oil pump. There’s slack in the timing chain per usual. Should I throw a dampener in? I don’t want the plastic to break or chip with high rpm or anything but I don’t want to lose almost a half degree of timing. Any thoughts?
The plastic one-piece block that bolts to the 2 holes in the middle has proven extremely durable while doing its job of stabilizing the flapping chain action..
Plus, it's relatively cheap and no-brainer to install if the front cover is already off.
It's more stressful to the chain. If it can't let go of the sprocket teeth when it needs to, it ends up trying to get pulled apart. Which is why that simple little block helps. Sorry my wording didn't make it clear.
I've got a new one with bolts for sale that I ended up not being able to use on my build (I had to have the LS6 version). I wouldn't build an LS engine without one.
The motor has around 110K miles, if im changing the chain, i might as well get a new sprocket and gear. brand new timing set.
Most timing chain kits come with the chain and cam and crank sprockets. I'd suggest replacing the chain and sprockets while you are in there. An LS2 timing set is a good choice that is stronger yet doesn't require clearancing anything for it to fit. I put an LS2 timing set on my 62k LS1 when I was doing a cam swap, the old chain was really stretched.
I would at least put a new LS2 chain in it with the LS6 chain guide/Damper.
It all depends on the block. The early LS1s and LS6s used a dampener with a wider bolt spacing and those dampeners are harder to find and more expensive. All other LS engines, not including the LS7, use the same much more common dampener with a narrower bolt spacing. (And some early LS1 blocks aren't even drilled for those bolts.)
Whatever block you have, you should measure the bolt spacing to make sure which version you need.
The chain pictured in the OP's first post looks pretty tired and stretched.
Most timing chain kits come with the chain and cam and crank sprockets. I'd suggest replacing the chain and sprockets while you are in there. An LS2 timing set is a good choice that is stronger yet doesn't require clearancing anything for it to fit. I put an LS2 timing set on my 62k LS1 when I was doing a cam swap, the old chain was really stretched.
Doesn't the LQ4 fall under the LS2 designation? Mines an LQ4. would the LS2 timing set mess with the timing if its a tighter chain or am i just overthinking?
Doesn't the LQ4 fall under the LS2 designation? Mines an LQ4. would the LS2 timing set mess with the timing if its a tighter chain or am i just overthinking?
You are over thinking it. A new chain would actually improve timing, making it more accurate.
Doesn't the LQ4 fall under the LS2 designation? Mines an LQ4. would the LS2 timing set mess with the timing if its a tighter chain or am i just overthinking?
LS2 is just the term used for the chain first introduced on the LS2.
It will do well on nearly any LS engine. Including the LQ4.
So I can get away with just running the dampener in the middle without the outside tensioner? Damn tensioners break on me most times when I try to re install the tensioner assembly retainer pin to hold i in place!
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Should I use a timing chain damper 
