Bartman Posted April 19, 2006 Share Posted April 19, 2006 I’m upgrading the top end of my 94 LT1 and I have everything removed. I heard the stock LT1 timing chains have excessive slack, but I’m amazed how much there really is. There are several options available to me: Don’t worry about it; just get a replacement timing set. Upgrade to an aftermarket Lunati LT1 timing setup. Summit has LUN-93094 for $174.39 (still a single non-roller) Upgrade to GM Performance Parts extreme duty timing chain kit (must upgrade distributor, timing cover, add a vac harness and fitting for a total of about $600) There are other aftermarket timing sets and most of them require the same upgrades as the GM extreme duty. Upgrade to an electric water pump and use a standard SBC double roller (CSI-901LT1 $149.88 and CLO-9-3145 $79.88 both from Summit) I’m starting to think an electric water pump and double roller is my best option. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelman Posted April 19, 2006 Share Posted April 19, 2006 Bart, Have you looked at Combination Motorsports site? http://www.cmotorsports.com They offer the LT4 extreme duty timing set for $279.00. It's part # GM-12370835. It's a true roller setup (not double though) that doesn't require you to change the front pieces on your engine. This is the setup I put on mine. I don't plan on running it real hard so the single roller should be fine. Are you planning on drag racing or just want the extra stability for peace of mind? Wheelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted April 19, 2006 Author Share Posted April 19, 2006 Bart' date='Have you looked at Combination Motorsports site? www.cmotorsports.com They offer the LT4 extreme duty timing set for $279.00. It's part # GM-12370835. It's a true roller setup (not double though) that doesn't require you to change the front pieces on your engine. This is the setup I put on mine. I don't plan on running it real hard so the single roller should be fine. Are you planning on drag racing or just want the extra stability for peace of mind? Wheelman For my 1994 f-body engine that timing set would require the other parts I mentioned in option 3 of my original post (The part number you listed is the same part number I was looking at). BTW - A single roller would probably work just fine...I just want the added security and my current upgrade plans may push me to over 400 rwhp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelman Posted April 19, 2006 Share Posted April 19, 2006 I didn't realize there was that much difference between a 94 and 95 LT1. I know the opti on the later ones is vernted but I thought the timing cover was the same for 94 and later. Hmm, guess I was wrong. So what are your upgrade plans? Wheelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
80LS1T Posted April 19, 2006 Share Posted April 19, 2006 I went with the CSI electric water pump and a Cloyes double roller timing chain/gear set. I upgraded from the 93' opti to the 95' anyways so that extra cost was already there. I like the fact that there isn't a shaft going from my water pump to my timing cover now. Thats two less seals that will leak onto/into the water pump if you ask me! I paid like $150 for the pump and like $70 for the timing set(if I remember correctley....) That extreme duty timing chain set is waaaaaaaay over priced if you ask me! Its just because it can only fit the LT1/4 engines and they know it. Plus if your water pump(electric) ever fails it will only take like 10 minutes to change because it pulls off of the alluminum part of the pump housing! Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted April 19, 2006 Author Share Posted April 19, 2006 I didn't realize there was that much difference between a 94 and 95 LT1.I know the opti on the later ones is vernted but I thought the timing cover was the same for 94 and later. Hmm' date=' guess I was wrong. So what are your upgrade plans? Wheelman[/quote']Yes, Its a big (read expensive if you need to upgrade) difference. My upgrade plans are to install this new ported and polished head package along with a new cam and upgraded valvetrain (http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=110004) with the stock bottom end. I'm looking at the timing chain now because I can't believe how much slack it had when I removed it. It may work fine for stock engines, but I'm worried about it holding up to this new setup. My car is mainly for the street, but I may have some fun with at the track now and then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted April 19, 2006 Author Share Posted April 19, 2006 I went with the CSI electric water pump and a Cloyes double roller timing chain/gear set. I upgraded from the 93' opti to the 95' anyways so that extra cost was already there. I like the fact that there isn't a shaft going from my water pump to my timing cover now. Thats two less seals that will leak onto/into the water pump if you ask me! I paid like $150 for the pump and like $70 for the timing set(if I remember correctley....) That extreme duty timing chain set is waaaaaaaay over priced if you ask me! Its just because it can only fit the LT1/4 engines and they know it. Plus if your water pump(electric) ever fails it will only take like 10 minutes to change because it pulls off of the alluminum part of the pump housing! Guy Guy,Could you tell me how much the electric water pump sticks out from the stock water pump housing? I may have a clearance problem since I layed my radiator back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
80LS1T Posted April 19, 2006 Share Posted April 19, 2006 I would say it sticks out about 4" maybe 5" at the most. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
80LS1T Posted April 19, 2006 Share Posted April 19, 2006 Here's the link to it from Summit Racing online... http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CSI%2D901LT1&N=400179+300374+115&autoview=sku It says overall depth is 2.750"..... Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-8 Posted April 20, 2006 Share Posted April 20, 2006 One thing to note about the CSR, it has 4 little bumps on the edge that need to be dremeled into the waterpump housing. Just take your time, and do many trial fits. That took me all evening to do. I also got the cloyes double roller. Haven't been able to start the engine up though, still in short block status. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbc3 Posted April 20, 2006 Share Posted April 20, 2006 I run the Cloyes double roller and Mez electric water pump. The front cover needs alot of clearancing to fit the gear and chain. If you get a 96 or 97 front cover, you will need something to plug up the Crank Position Sensor hole. I left the sensor in. Jody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted April 20, 2006 Author Share Posted April 20, 2006 Well it looks like I need to swap my optispark in order to install the extreme duty or double roller. So I'm in the market for a vented optispark, 95+ timing cover, vac harness, and vac fitting. I'm going to try to score the vented opti on eBay and I'm thinking of getting everything else from www.gmpartsdirect.com. Thanks for all the input and info, it seems like we have quite a bit of LT1 expertise on this site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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