3 bolt cam gear tensioner compatibility

[CGT]

Thank you Ted, I appreciate it.

[Anthony @ LG Motorsports]

We convert all of the cars to a three bolt cam gear and go back to the traditional LS2/LS7 'dog bone' style damper assembly.

In testing here, we have seen broken tensioner assemblies on the LS3 style as well as broken chains. I don't know if it was an issue with the tensioner (LS3) itself or a combination of the tensioner(LS3) and chain.

Since 2008 we have done all of our cam kits with the three bolt gear, dog bone, and Katech chains. Zero issues to date

[Rock-It Man]

FWIW, here's the ZL1's 6.2L LSA V8, with one bolt cam and spring loaded tensioner.

[Stingr69]

True - The ZL-1 uses a stock LS3 Tensioner but it also uses GM valve springs and GM cam lift rates and additional components that were all designed to work together relaibly. If you up the ramp rates with a custom grind cams and heavy spring pressures etc then you could say "all bets are off" when it comes to the tensioner. The tuners have learned from experience to change them out during a valve train upgrade.

JMO.

-Mark.

[flht99b]

Originally Posted by Stingr69

True - The ZL-1 uses a stock LS3 Tensioner but it also uses GM valve springs and GM cam lift rates and additional components that were all designed to work together relaibly. If you up the ramp rates with a custom grind cams and heavy spring pressures etc then you could say "all bets are off" when it comes to the tensioner. The tuners have learned from experience to change them out during a valve train upgrade.

JMO.

-Mark.

Exactly. Fast accelerating cam lobes, heavy seat/open pressure dual valve springs which transmit additional force to the LS3 spring loaded tensioner and timing chain. Harley didn't stay with it's spring loaded cam chain tensioners very long, instead they redesigned to a hydraulic tensioner setup.
Ed M.