Double roller timing chain - benefit or no?
If you are going with a good cam and like to get up in the rpms then yes . The stock ls1 timing chains are weak and have been known to break under load . An alternative to buying a double roller that will handle some power is the ls2 chain which can be picked up for not a whole lot of money . I think they go for $20 from SDPC but it has been a minute since I have checked them out .
If you are going with a big cam than you could upgrade to an LS2 chain. There is really no need for a double roller. For the most part though, the stock one will to fine to a certain extent.
The benefit? Added insurance. Single chain breaks, that's it, you just destroyed a valvetrain. Double roller, at least you have a chance of keeping it together. A extra $50 now could save you alot down the road. It's just like car/house insurance. Sure you hate paying it, but your damn happy you have it when/if something happens.
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Originally Posted by nokeman
If you are going with a big cam than you could upgrade to an LS2 chain. There is really no need for a double roller. For the most part though, the stock one will to fine to a certain extent.
certain extent? I'm runing the stock chain in mine with the 228/230
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heres the facts for 90% of us street/strip guys.
almost noone has broken a stock timing chain... we suspect the LS2 one is stronger. if in doubt, put an LS2 one in.
the double roller doesnt really fit.
you have a oil pump there, and that really limits your room. to make it even fit, you have to space the pump out some.... and that sometimes means clearancing the pump and the front engine cover. you're also putting more stress on that damn oil pump oring (that i hate) unless you unbolt the pickup tube, and elongate its hole so that it can be slid forward to meet the pump.
really, its a huge pain in the *** to do correctly, and for what?! to replace a chain that almost noone breaks.
if this was a SBC, SBF or almost any other conventional domestic V8, there would be no question, you should get the aftermarket timing set.
however, this is not the case for the genIII+ motors... the stock timing chain is pretty reliable in these cars. they fit correctly.... its one of those, "if its not broken, dont fix it" kind of things.... the ONLY defense for a diffrent chain is "piece of mind" and if you fit in the category of 90% of the people on here (aka not a all out race only or extreme "street" motor) then you'll notice they're running the stocker too, and not breaking it.
on the otherhand ive seen problems galore from the damn double rollers.. they flatout dont fit in the tiny area, and the bandaid of moving the pump forward causes more problems then it solves.
almost noone has broken a stock timing chain... we suspect the LS2 one is stronger. if in doubt, put an LS2 one in.
the double roller doesnt really fit.
you have a oil pump there, and that really limits your room. to make it even fit, you have to space the pump out some.... and that sometimes means clearancing the pump and the front engine cover. you're also putting more stress on that damn oil pump oring (that i hate) unless you unbolt the pickup tube, and elongate its hole so that it can be slid forward to meet the pump.
really, its a huge pain in the *** to do correctly, and for what?! to replace a chain that almost noone breaks.
if this was a SBC, SBF or almost any other conventional domestic V8, there would be no question, you should get the aftermarket timing set.
however, this is not the case for the genIII+ motors... the stock timing chain is pretty reliable in these cars. they fit correctly.... its one of those, "if its not broken, dont fix it" kind of things.... the ONLY defense for a diffrent chain is "piece of mind" and if you fit in the category of 90% of the people on here (aka not a all out race only or extreme "street" motor) then you'll notice they're running the stocker too, and not breaking it.
on the otherhand ive seen problems galore from the damn double rollers.. they flatout dont fit in the tiny area, and the bandaid of moving the pump forward causes more problems then it solves.
