timing chain ?
timing chain ? just curious if anyone has tried to use a standard small block double roller timing chain on an LT1. im not using the water pump drive anymore so i won't need lt1 spacific stuff anymore. 
I dont think a traditional double roller will work. I do know a single traditional sbc timing chain will work but not a double row. I know the L98 double row will work for our cars.
A double roller will only work on a vented opti car, due to the timing chain cover....You'd have to convert over to a Vented Opti/cover, to run a Double Roller timing chain..Done looked into it..
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
I'm running a Cloyes 3145 SBC double roller on my 1994, so yes, it can be done. I did have to do a little clearancing of the timing cover, but nothing major.
However, like flyinZ stated above, it requires that you convert to a 1995+ vented optispark/timing cover/opti harness. Not so much for the timing cover, but because the 1994 opti driveshaft is fixed to the center of the cam timing gear. Without the 1994 cam gear, the 1994 optispark will not operate. Thus, no fuel, no spark. The vented optispark is driven directly by the cam dowel, so this 'special cam gear' is not required, and any 1987+ SBC timing set should be able to work (-with an electric waterpump).
There are some other timing chains available for the 1992-1994 LT1, but they aren't cheap, nor are they double-rollers. Cloyes sells one for $400, and Doug Rippie has one for a whopping $550. Probably not anyone's cup of tea...
However, like flyinZ stated above, it requires that you convert to a 1995+ vented optispark/timing cover/opti harness. Not so much for the timing cover, but because the 1994 opti driveshaft is fixed to the center of the cam timing gear. Without the 1994 cam gear, the 1994 optispark will not operate. Thus, no fuel, no spark. The vented optispark is driven directly by the cam dowel, so this 'special cam gear' is not required, and any 1987+ SBC timing set should be able to work (-with an electric waterpump).
There are some other timing chains available for the 1992-1994 LT1, but they aren't cheap, nor are they double-rollers. Cloyes sells one for $400, and Doug Rippie has one for a whopping $550. Probably not anyone's cup of tea...
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
I have not done this yet, but have already bought the chain in anticipation after my recent electric WP conversion...
there is a guy here in town that has built many LT1s - works for a local speed shop.
He recommended the edelbrock double roller SBC chain for the vented opti set ups/timing covers. He said he has bolted many on without any clearancing needed - has one running on his car right now.
there is a guy here in town that has built many LT1s - works for a local speed shop.
He recommended the edelbrock double roller SBC chain for the vented opti set ups/timing covers. He said he has bolted many on without any clearancing needed - has one running on his car right now.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,023
Likes: 6
From: LT1 land...the "409" of the 90s!
I have ran a few different sets. Edelbrock,Comp Cams,Cloyes and one other I can not name.
All work as long as you check clearance and they are for 86- roller blockes
All work as long as you check clearance and they are for 86- roller blockes
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