Vortec Timing Set
 

Quick question:

I'm building a 5.7 Vortec to drop in my Blazer. I've got a Ram Jet 350 / HT 383 cam I'm putting in it and I'm using a steel timing cover and an 8" balancer (it's going to be carbed with an HEI distributor). Is there any reason this timing set won't work with it:

https://www.amazon.com/Competition-C...VM11EHNME5YRH8

The timing cover and balancer are Summit's house brand:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G3200B-K
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-161358

Thanks!

Re: Vortec Timing Set
 

It's been a while so I could be wrong but I don't think that timing chain set will bolt to the camshaft.

Re: Vortec Timing Set
 

Thanks. That's what I was wondering - if it's just the plastic timing cover that requires the use of a specific chain.

Re: Vortec Timing Set
 

The GM factory roller cams use a cam retainer plate to hold the cam in the block and the bolt pattern for the cam gear is smaller that factory non-roller cam or retro fit aftermarket rollers. The cam has a stepped nose on the cam gear end of it. The Cloyes Gear part numbers for the 85-up non Vortec roller cam engines (like the L98 TPI engines) are 9-1146 (better), 9-3146 (best) for their performance double roller sets. The '96-88 Vortec (L31) single roller performance sets for roller cams are 9-1157 (better) & 9-3157 (best) if using the plastic timing cover.

If you have any questions call the Cloyes Tech line 479 646 1662 and ask for Mike Senia. he's the product development/tech guy there. Way more accurate info getting it from the source.

Re: Vortec Timing Set
 

Thanks!

Re: Vortec Timing Set
 

Mike is no longer at Cloyes. I spoke with Cody, and this is what he said:

If it is a factory style roller, and you are using the factory thrust plate, then you can use the 9-1145 double roller set. If it is what they call a retrofit roller cam, it will have the old style cam nose and will require the old style timing set 9-1100.

Now I'm more confused. The 9-1146 says it's a true roller for SBC, just like the 9-1145 does. I'm not building a race engine, so is there a good reason to spend $25 more on the timing set?

Re: Vortec Timing Set
 

9-1146 is for the raised cam aftermarket blocks, not a factory SBC. I screwed up - that was a typo on my part and I apologize. 9-1145/3145 is for the factory roller 85-up like the L98 TPI motors from the late 80's/early 90's. If you're not using the L31's plastic timing cover then the 9-1145 will work - if you do use the plastic timing cover, that's the 9-1157/3157 - it is specifically for the L31. I'm pretty sure the RamJet cam you said you're using has a stepped nose. Sorry for the confusing typo.