My opinion about the right side timing chain tensioner (updated version)

[HAWAIIZR-1]

So everyone already knows that I'm "Mr. While I'm in there". Nothing wrong with my right side tensioner but figured I would buy the updated version even though I have a brand new one. I could see that the new part number comes with two piece aluminum housing so I spent the bucks and got one before dropping this fresh built 350 LT5 back in.

Maybe folks already knew this, but just in case I'll throw it out there as I'm not into keeping any info to myself once I come across it.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC02710.jpg

So I found out that the only thing I really got or really needed out of this kit is the two aluminum pieces.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC02711.jpg

From left to right: my 53K mile tensioner, my new tensioner, and the new one that came with the updated kit

The kit has the exact same tensioner and only the housing design is changed. As far as I know, you cannot get the housing separately but I did not look very hard either.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC02713.jpg

I think if a good machinist like Carter were to get a set of these pieces they could make and sell them.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC02712.jpg

Another angle of the two pieces.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC02716.jpg

Another angle.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/DSC02719.jpg

Here it is installed.

So the BLUF for me is I feel like I wasted my money and would not if building another motor in the future. I never really noticed chain noise to begin with and I see the design how it will retain oil for start up. Did I need it, in my opinion....NO. That was alot of greenbacks for those two pieces of aluminum, but I do have the satisfaction that I have the updated housing. My opinion is to keep your money and use it elsewhere.

I screwed around so much with these tensioners trying to learn about them that when I accidently dropped mine when trying to do the photo I could reset it back in less than 30 seconds........that is spooky.

Anyway, just thought I would share this tidbit from a novice point of view.

Craig

[Paul Workman]

Craig,

I gotz only one thing to say - and you know I too speak from the same recent experiences - education cost money!

I spent mine learning about porting the LT5 heads. :rolleyes:

Well, good on you. Hope you get 'er runnin soon!

P.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Thanks Paul and Cliff,

Sorry, I should have put it on there and thought it was known. The part number is 12550580 for the updated version of the right tensioner. My local Napa(formerly Redline Auto Part) did a special order through a dealership in Texas and drop shipped to me (it took about 2 weeks to get it).

Also sold here: http://www.whiteracingproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=168

Yes, I hear you Paul. I made a few mistakes and that education did cost me for sure.

Craig

[A26B]

http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/housing-rh-cam-chain-tensioner-2nd-design-90-95-1g4/

http://cdn3.bigcommerce.com/s-nkg90o/products/834/images/1943/12500580__87908.1453238440.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

[-=Jeff=-]

Nice Jerry!!

[A26B]

I was searching for something else & found all of these open threads with no "solution" so just updated them to make current "with a solution" :-)