LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

cam swap - are new cam and crank gears necessary?

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Old 02-14-2004, 10:56 AM
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cam swap - are new cam and crank gears necessary?

http://www.streetillusionsracing.com...ll/Cam/cam.htm


I was going to get a new timing chain, cam gear, and crank gear, but according to that install guide it looks like he only replaced the chain.

opinions?
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Old 02-14-2004, 11:02 AM
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its very rare that the crank gear gets changed out. just inspect it for cracked teeth or rounded out teeth but its very rare. the timing gear and chain would be a good update.
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Old 02-14-2004, 11:17 AM
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Change all of it,not a place to be cheap.
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Old 02-14-2004, 12:01 PM
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I don't replace any of them without replacing all three. They wear as a set. Why put a new chain on worn gears?
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Old 02-14-2004, 12:10 PM
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Originally posted by shoebox
I don't replace any of them without replacing all three. They wear as a set. Why put a new chain on worn gears?
That's what I thought as well, it just threw me when the guy said he only bought the new chain
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Old 02-14-2004, 12:58 PM
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I replaced just the chain. New GM chain was $18. I'll let you all know if it ever breaks, makes noise, or anything else. Right now it's working just fine. It might be a good time to ask if anyone has ever had a problem doing this???
I build automatic transmissions for a living. GM front wheel drive transmissions have a "timing chain on steroids" that drive them. I've been changing the chains, but not the sprockets on all of them for 14 years. Never have I seen this practice cause a problem. Yes, they are 2 different things, but the design is surpisingly similar.
I couldn't see what it hurts to change just the timing chain. My car is also a '93 (early cover and chain). I couldn't see the point in "upgading" to an aftermarket chain. Realistically, how many LT1's do you see break timing chains?...Unless they're very high milage? My stock 93,000 "link belt" LT1 chain looked as good as some of the Cloyes "Double Roller" or "True Roller" chains that I've seen come out of some race motors after only a few seasons.

Frank
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Old 02-14-2004, 01:26 PM
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Originally posted by 12SCNDZ
I replaced just the chain. New GM chain was $18. I'll let you all know if it ever breaks, makes noise, or anything else. Right now it's working just fine. It might be a good time to ask if anyone has ever had a problem doing this???
I build automatic transmissions for a living. GM front wheel drive transmissions have a "timing chain on steroids" that drive them. I've been changing the chains, but not the sprockets on all of them for 14 years. Never have I seen this practice cause a problem. Yes, they are 2 different things, but the design is surpisingly similar.
I couldn't see what it hurts to change just the timing chain. My car is also a '93 (early cover and chain). I couldn't see the point in "upgading" to an aftermarket chain. Realistically, how many LT1's do you see break timing chains?...Unless they're very high milage? My stock 93,000 "link belt" LT1 chain looked as good as some of the Cloyes "Double Roller" or "True Roller" chains that I've seen come out of some race motors after only a few seasons.

Frank

I have a 93 too. Replacing the gears won't cost too much $ so I will probably just do it anyway
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Old 02-14-2004, 01:48 PM
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IMO, when you replace only the chain, the chain immediately begins to conform to the worn surfaces that are already on the gears that were not replaced. Your new chain will be worn just like the old one in a shorter time than if you replaced the whole set. Will it still run with just replacing the chain? Sure.
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Old 02-14-2004, 04:09 PM
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the only time we change out the crank gear is if we are changing to double roller chain. other than that, you shouldnt have any problem with the same gears.
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Old 02-14-2004, 04:20 PM
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Originally posted by JDBlaze85
the only time we change out the crank gear is if we are changing to double roller chain. other than that, you shouldnt have any problem with the same gears.
For $20, I'll buy a new gear.
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Old 02-14-2004, 04:27 PM
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Wheres the cheapest place to get crank gear and timing gear?
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Old 02-14-2004, 05:50 PM
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Im in the chain only gang too. cant see any wear on my gears. def. not on the crank gear. I got my cam gear right here and cleaned up. the only "wear" on it is a polishing on the sides of the teeth in very small contact spots. you couldnt find any wear w/a micrometer (not that i tried, but literally there is no grove or worn spots). mine has around 70k mi.s on it. if this was a drag car, or I was using double valvesprings w/higher then .600 lift, then Id worry about it. but not my 6700 rpm .570 lift motor I wont. when/if I go bigger cam, I'll replace it then, along w/my stock roller lifters.

chris
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Old 02-14-2004, 06:15 PM
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Like Shoe said."For $20,I'll buy a new gear."Cheap bastages.
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