LT1 timing chain--help

[sothpaw]

Have any of you blown an LT1 timing chain or heard of that happening in a modified
engine? If so, circumstances?

Reason I ask:

I am getting ready to order parts for my heads/cam mod. My "heads man"
tells me that the LT1 chain is the engine's weak link and I should change
to an LT1/4 extreme duty chain. Which is fine, except that requires me
to have 1996 optispark, timing cover, etc.

I am wondering if it is safe to operate a 380 hp LT1 up to 6100 rpm with an LT1
chain. ( I would put in a new one if advised)

 

[Alex D]

I never have heard of a standard timing set being blown up..........they don't last that long, but I am not sure that I can believe such a crass statement...

 

[Dave C. '04 Z06]

I'm getting deja-vous

I think this topic has been up before recently, but I'll answer again.

I had an LT-1 with the Hot Cam Kit and spun it to 6200RPM regularly and never had a problem with the stock chain. I ended up putting a HD timing chain on it, but not because I had to....I got a good deal on it.

The HP of your motor doesn't matter, it's how many RPM's and for how long. If you're going to race it all the time, then get the HD. If you're only going to spin it up occasionally, stay with the stock chain.

-Dave C. '97 Z28
1997 Camaro Z28 MN6 w/ 454cid Gen VI BBC
1995 Corvette coupe MN6 (all stock)

 

[wx briefer]

At 67k miles, the stock LT4 chain had too much play for my comfort. I replaced with the extreme duty. If you decide to do this, make sure you clean the chain really well and lube it up as equally well. I use a cut open oil container half filled with kerosene. I drape the chain over a sprocket suspended above the open container and rotate it several times, washing the little impurities out of the chain. Then, refill with synthetic oil and rotate the chain again several times and you should have a nicely clean, oiled chain for start up.

 

[sothpaw]

Dave,

The story I get from my heads guy is consistent with your experience. He blew the chain in an endurance race after 12
straight hours of racing. He said it is the "on it off it" that
kills the chain. Drag racing is no problem of the stock chain,
even at 6300 rpm.

I am going to the extreme chain since it's safer and my opti.
is most likely original with 76 k mi on it and 10 years old.
And when I autocross, I ain't watching the tach...