#Ls2 timing chain tensioner install
#Ls2 timing chain tensioner upgrade

Here is a pic of an LS1tech member who drilled and tapped an LS1 for it. Holes have successfully been drilled in the block to accept the new, cheap, and easy to find LS2 dampener. The punch marks are where the center lines of the new LS2 updated dampener would be. The outside holes are where the early tan dampener would bolt to. Here is a pic of what the bolt spacing looks like. Here's a pic of one installed for shits and giggles. Unfortunately this part has been discontinued, and was over $120 when it was being made ($120 for a little plastic piece!?).

#Ls2 timing chain tensioner install

It would be very easy to drill and tap the holes in other LS1 engines without the existing holes to install this part. GM shortly made a tan chain dampener that would fit the 1997/early 1998 engines, Part number 88958607. These engines can have the 'LS2' timing chain tensioner bolted straight to them. All other year LS1s (I believe) had a flat spot where those holes were, but are not drilled/tapped as seen below.Ģ005 and up LSx and some earlier LS6 engine blocks had threaded holes in them in the same place, except the center lines of these holes are 1.762' apart. The center line of the holes are 2.187' apart. There's a 99% you will need to drill into your engine block to install one if you have an LS1.ġ997 and early 1998 LS1 engines had threaded holes above the crank gear. There are 3 timing chain tensioners made by GM. They require a double row timing set, and installation of a double chain requires spacing out the oil pump and clearancing the timing cover. KaTech also sells their C5-R chain, and that is pricey.

#Ls2 timing chain tensioner upgrade

The LS2 is a cheap and effective upgrade from the LS1 chain, GM Part number 12586482. JWIS (IWIS?) makes a single chain that is supposed to be an upgrade, Part number SD3SR602. I will go into the install more in detail later. This is the best solution, but not the easiest. They will catch the chain before excessive 'whipping' action can take place. These tensioners are designed to prevent the slack in the chain from moving too much. (Best solution) Install a timing chain tensioner/dampener. UD pulleys may not have this feature and can transmit some shock to the timing chain. The outside ring is seperated from the center hub by rubber, and this rubber is meant to deflect and absorb some shock. The stock harmonic balancer is made of 2 metal pieces. There is some debate as to whether underdrive crank pulleys (harmonic balancer) can also contribute to weakening the timing chain over time. I am not aware of stock engines having too many issues, even when road racing. I believe when increasing the power of our engines, it is amplifying the loads and is increasing the potential for a failure. It is also more common for engines that are modified to have more power than stock to have timing chain failures. Though I have also seen street cars and drag racers have timing chain failures. The conditions of road racing especially at extended periods of time, include all of the above scenarios. It is important to note that timing chain failures are much more common in LSx's that are used for road racing. Under these circumstances, stiff or tight links in the chains have been noticed, and these have great potential to break. A whipping motion can occur of the timing chain around the crank gear, and this will destroy a timing chain. can cause excessive movement in the slack of the timing chain. Various driving conditions including on/off throttle, engine compression braking, fast shifting, extended periods of high RPM running, etc. These vibrations cause accelerated wear and tear and are stressful to the timing chain. LSx motors produce harmonic vibrations in certain RPM ranges that are transmitted to the timing chain. I am trying to summarize the important info into one thread to educate those unaware. I have been researching this issue and there is information scattered all over the place.