Timing set for factory roller cam

[zac]

I’m building an engine using a short block from an ‘89 Iroc-Z with a factory roller cam. Was going to use some old 462 heads but then came across some good Vortecs so I’m using them with an Edelbrock 7116 intake. I think I’ve got most of the weird nuances for this thing sorted out, but even something as simple as ordering the timing chain set has gotten weird. I know the ‘89 roller cam requires a specific set, but you get all kinds of different part numbers when you try to look it up, and clearly some of them are incorrect. So far the only ones I’ve come across that I have confidence in are the bargain basement Melling 3506C and the much more expensive Chevrolet 12371043 single roller. The engine is just going in a ‘79 K20 so it’s not a huge deal, just wondering if somebody has dealt with this and can point me towards a modest single roller set that will fit. This is my first non old-school small block.

[truckster]

I used a Cloyes double roller for mine. It's a Vortec, but I think it should work for your application. P/N 9-1145.

Give Cloyes a call. They're very helpful.

[zac]

Thanks for the info. When you mentioned Vortec I remembered that I have a stock L31 cam that I’d forgotten about. I checked and the snout on both cams appears to be identical. I think the issue is the online parts lookup system. All ‘89 5.7L Camaros had roller cams, but most sets say “will not fit factory roller cam.” Same goes for the late 90s Vortec trucks. Some also mention fitment issues with a plastic timing cover, but I’ve never even seen one of those.

[garyd1961]

The vortec engine has a crank sensor and can't use a double roller unless you remove the reluctor ring on the crank. You shouldn't have a problem with a double roller on your motor though.

[truckster]

Yeah, the plastic timing cover houses a crank sensor for the fuel injection system. I'm running HEI and a Quadrajet, so I removed the reluctor ring and used a stamped steel cover. Same setup as yours.

[zac]

Thanks, good info. The Cloyes set you mentioned said something about bolts possibly having to be clearenced, but doesn’t mention which ones or why. Did you have to deal with that?

[truckster]

No, I didn't have to modify anything. Bolt up and go.

[Captainfab]

All you need is a timing chain and gear set for a '86-'02 small block with a factory roller cam, either a single roller or a double roller. Since you are not using the '96-'02 Vortec plastic timing chain cover and the crank sensor, you can use a double roller if you want. It just has to be specifically for the factory roller cam.