Couple of Cam Questions

[SixShooter'00Camaro]

So when I get my tax return, I'm going with the GT1 Cam 105# springs LS1 retainers, but I was wondering if I need to change the timing chain dampner and if I need to replace push rods or can I just use the stock ones.

[Pewter02Camaro]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

So when I get my tax return, I'm going with the GT1 Cam 105# springs LS1 retainers, but I was wondering if I need to change the timing chain dampner and if I need to replace push rods or can I just use the stock ones.

I would use your stock pushrods as long as they are undamaged, i would upgrade to the double roller personally but you could just change the dampner, dampner life is slightly shorter with the 105# springs. If you dont already have the GT1 cam i am selling mine for cheap. ;)

[whitdog54]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

Isnt there a clearance issue with the double roller timing chain? I cant exactly where I was reading it. I think with either the oil pan, or the cover. This one one reason double rollers fail, is because they rub and it causes them to weaken.

Also isn't there only one brand left that makes a double roller for our 3.8s and didnt many people have problems with them?

[Choppers]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

its the cover. Me personally would run just a single rollmaster. You should be just fine with that. Why are you downgrading to the GT1 from the GT2?

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

Isnt there a clearance issue with the double roller timing chain? I cant exactly where I was reading it. I think with either the oil pan, or the cover. This one one reason double rollers fail, is because they rub and it causes them to weaken.

Also isn't there only one brand left that makes a double roller for our 3.8s and didnt many people have problems with them?

you have to mill the oil cover...and you have to mill the sprocket I believe...there is a write up covering how/what to do on FTV6 on how to do it so that the chain doesnt rub and it doesnt fail....

[whitdog54]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

its the cover. Me personally would run just a single rollmaster. You should be just fine with that. Why are you downgrading to the GT1 from the GT2?

With his setup he should be able to...

you have to mill the oil cover...and you have to mill the sprocket I believe...there is a write up covering how/what to do on FTV6 on how to do it so that the chain doesnt rub and it doesnt fail....

Yea, i remember reading that too actually. Also doesnt only one company make the double roller now. And they put out a bad batch recently.

[Choppers]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

no jp and rollmaster makes some but jp had some problems a while back with theirs breaking. but a single you should be just fine with.

[Hib Halverson]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

Both Rollmaster and JP Performance market doublerow chains for 3800s.

A doublerow timing chain/gear set can only be used if the factory balance shaft is disabled or removed. If you remove it, the balance shaft oil feed hole at the rear of the block must be plugged or you have a big internal oil leak.

My belief is that a single row chain is good for all but the most aggressive---high rpm and high valve spring pressure---racing applications.

[Forced_Firebird]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

Sprocket doesn't have to be touched, but the oil pump drive cover needs to be shaved,or you need to use two stock paper gaskets (not the best choice).

I have shaved several oil pump drive covers down on my surface grinder and might even have an extra if you need it...





I wish I had taken a pic of my friends cover after he used it without shaving it down, you can clearly see the gouges from the chain rubbing.

With high spring rates, I would definitely recommend the double roller.

You need to contact your cam supplier and see if your stock push rods will even work or not since the rockers are pedistal mount and are non-adjustable. I know last time I installed an Abbott cam,the stock rods were NOT the correct length since the base circle needs to decrease to create more lift/duration.

[ssms5411]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

Those look exlactly like the ZZP machined ones I got for mine, but it sucked paying $35 for one. LOL

[Forced_Firebird]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

Those look exlactly like the ZZP machined ones I got for mine, but it sucked paying $35 for one. LOL

Well, it takes about an hour to setup and do one so $35/hr for machining is actually cheap. We generally charge $65/hr machine time.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

Sprocket doesn't have to be touched, but the oil pump drive cover needs to be shaved,or you need to use two stock paper gaskets (not the best choice).

I have shaved several oil pump drive covers down on my surface grinder and might even have an extra if you need it...


I wish I had taken a pic of my friends cover after he used it without shaving it down, you can clearly see the gouges from the chain rubbing.

With high spring rates, I would definitely recommend the double roller.

You need to contact your cam supplier and see if your stock push rods will even work or not since the rockers are pedistal mount and are non-adjustable. I know last time I installed an Abbott cam,the stock rods were NOT the correct length since the base circle needs to decrease to create more lift/duration.

From what I remember reading you have to make sure that the chain is straight and flush...the dbl timing chains are not "truly" designed for our cars...if you dont make sure they are 100% straight then they tend to fail.

2ndly, I believe you should only use 1 paper gm gasket...eventually gaskets compress so don't rely on the gasket for the spacing...it should be milled properly...

and JP and rollmaster are the same company now...

[Forced_Firebird]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

I've installed them, they work fine if the cover is shaved - never tried the double gasket recommendation in the installation instructions.

[truekoa]

Re: Couple of Cam Questions

What should you use to plug the balance shaft oil feed hole?