Hey guys im trying to tackle changing the timing chain this weekend. Is it doable for a weekend job starting friday afternoon? If so what parts SHOULD i replace while im at it. any help would be appreciated thanks ...Oscar

 

is there a reason why you have to change it?

 

at minimum the gaskets for the water pump, timing cover opti, crank seal and water pump drive seal which can all be purchased as a set. only the water pump and timing cover gasked is absolutely required but since it all comes as a set then why the heck not?

if you are feeling froggy you can replace the cap and rotor on the opti because hopefully it will be a very long time before you have to get to it again. other optional parts would be the oil pan gasket since they are incredibly easy to tear. sure you could use a metric ton of RTV but it will look like a hot mess

 

It sounds like its got some slack, it is barely noticeable but might as well since im gonna replace the cap and rotor. The front seals are leaking on the optispark and crank sensor. So this weekend i wanted to replace ; timing chain, cap and rotor, spark plugs , header gaskets,new Jegs spark plug wires, new seals on timing cover, and new low oil sensor. I think thats about it for now ....The motor has 135k on it and transmission just got rebuilt 4 months ago.

 

If the motor was just rebuilt, then the timing chain should be a warrantly job. I'm curious why you think it needs it though, as it's a normal replacement part on a rebuild.

 

I agree with fleetmgr. No reason to replace a chain that more than likely was just replaced. Stock chains do have more slack than most other cars. It is an easy job, probably 4-5 hours or so on the ground.

If it must come off, the cam is right there.

 

I was thinking the same thing. Will the com cam 503 work with the stock valve terrain for now??? I plan on replacing the springs, pushrods and RRs but dont have money for it now. I plan on replacing the oil pan gasket and low oil sending unit . Whats the easiest way to remove the oil / or replace the gasket??? Thanks for the input so far guys keep the help coming , im new to lt1's.

 

Sorry i misstyped my other post about the engine being rebuilt. The engine has 135k and its a new tranny with stock stall for now.

Here is a list of my mods;
97 t/a ram air
k&n intake
Edelbrock shortys w/cats
Borla exhaust
SLP AIRFOIL
BMR LCA
BMR race lowereing springs w/bilstein shocks
BMR Subframe connectors
Hotchkins front tower bar
Cross drilled and slotted rottors
Power master 200 amp alternator


I might be missing some more stuff but thats what i remember for now...

 

If the gears aren't bady worn you could just replace the chain itself. You can purchase a stock replacement chain for about $35.00 from Napa.

 

You should ALWAYS replace the sprockets with the chain. The sprockets and chain wear together.

 

1. Guys do you have to take out the timing cover to replace the seals on it?
2. Whats the best way to remove oil pan gasket?