gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Well I'm mostly finished. Just gotta install valve springs on a few more cyls and put her back together. Cam is in.

Timing chain was stretched pretty bad even w only 80K on it. Glad I'm changing that.

My Patriot valve spring kit was missing one of the machined bases so I gotta call them

Has went pretty smooth other than pulling the crank hub, good God that thing is a PITA.

What method are you guys using to reinstall the crank hub?

Got somw pics I'll post later.

Guess I can take my time finishing it. Builder says trans is in ROUGH shape

Got some pics I'll post later of the swap. I'll get some of the trans carnage too.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

LT1 timing chains are notoroiusly "loose" explainations are usually "ease of factory assembly" and "reduce load since the cam bearing is already seeing additional load from the waterpump". I am sure whatever you thought was badly stretched was completely normal and no problem whatsoever.

To reinstall the hub I bought a longer bolt, a stack of washers and first heat the hub in boiling water so I can get it good and started before pulling it on the the bolt. I boil it because this way you can get it hot enough to loosen the press fit without making it so hot as to damage the seal. When pulling it on with the bolt make sure to have LOTS of thead engagement at all times.

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Thanks Duane. Didnt know these chains were set up loose like that.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

If you try to lift one on top of the gear and see if it will clear a tooth you will see there is not real risk.

Cloyes also sells an ovcersized crank gear to tighten them up if it really bothers you.

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Ok. I just got the gmpartsdirect timing set, gears and all so thats what will be going back in. As long as its not loose enough to cause a timing or reliability issue I'm good.

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

For the crank hub install, I bit the bullet and ordered a harmonic balancer puller/install tool. It was $50, but so worth every penny.

robsquikz28

iTrader: (246)

Or you can find threaded rod and cut about 10" and then just get washers and a bearing which you can find at a home dopot Sometimes....

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Thanks guys. A buddy told me about the allthread method. Another buddy has the hub installer tool though so we'll prob just use that.

pyro719

iTrader: (5)

I just put a little oil on the cranf and hub andit slid on most the way. Then I used the bolt to take it in the rest of the way.