Timing Chain DIY - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

TJ91 · 04-26-2016, 01:00 AM

Hey guys, I have watched a few videos of DIY chain replacements on the older 3.6 V6 in the CTS and was wondering what your guys thoughts were on trying to do the chain swap as a DIY?

I am mechanically inclined and given instructions I follow them perfectly so wondering if I should replace the chains at home.

Only part im concerned with is ensuring that the timing is right.

Anyone know where I can source the manual on how to do the chain replacement? Id rather not have to buy the service manuals

CamaroSS sleeper · 04-26-2016, 09:36 AM

you can always rotate the motor until piston 1 is at TDC
than just use the timing marks on the engine. Google all torque values ect.

MagnumForceGB · 04-26-2016, 09:47 AM

There is a website with the manuals, will have to find it later.

Or you could just duct tape the chains to the cams, redneck fix.

TJ91 · 04-26-2016, 11:18 AM

Thanks guys I want to do the chains myself. So if I can get the manuals that would be awesome!

Just want to make sure I get all the timing done correct.

MagnumForceGB · 04-26-2016, 11:29 AM

The website that was hosting the PDF's isn't there anymore, but I have all of them. They are in 3.6l engine repair in vehicle 1, message me your e-mail or I can transfer it to you in facebook if you are in the performance group.

TJ91 · 04-26-2016, 09:51 PM

Just want to thank Magnum for taking the time to send me the Service Manual.

Looking at the manual, its not entirely clear in regards to the setting the timing.

Do I assume that my timing is correct and just lock the cams in place? Maybe I am reading the manual wrong but it doesn't seem to have precise information on setting the timing

MagnumForceGB · 04-26-2016, 10:10 PM

There are timing marks on both the chains and sprocket. Line them up and you should be good.

JantzenOKC · 04-27-2016, 06:13 AM

There are special tools to lock the back of the cams. I did mine without it but you just have to make sure you have them in the right position(flat spots on back of cam up and level). There's a phase 1 timing position for the crank to time one head/chain. Then you turn the crank to phase 2 marks to time the other head/chain.

The marks suck because you can't rotate it around 2 revs and recheck. The marks on the chains never line up again you just have to have faith that you did it right. I hate not being able to double check my marks.

JantzenOKC · 04-27-2016, 06:26 AM

I'm not sure how different the llt is from the lfx but here's some pics from when I setup my lfx chains.

Drivers side chain:

JantzenOKC · 04-27-2016, 06:26 AM

Intermediate chain:

JantzenOKC · 04-27-2016, 06:27 AM

Passenger side chain:

JantzenOKC · 04-27-2016, 06:28 AM

Phase 1 timing mark:

JantzenOKC · 04-27-2016, 06:29 AM

Phase 2 timing mark:

rtcat600man · 04-27-2016, 09:41 AM

Great photos. Thank - you for sharing........subscribed.

04-26-2016, 01:00 AM	#1
TJ91 :chevy: Drives: 2LT/RS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,033	Timing Chain DIY Hey guys, I have watched a few videos of DIY chain replacements on the older 3.6 V6 in the CTS and was wondering what your guys thoughts were on trying to do the chain swap as a DIY? I am mechanically inclined and given instructions I follow them perfectly so wondering if I should replace the chains at home. Only part im concerned with is ensuring that the timing is right. Anyone know where I can source the manual on how to do the chain replacement? Id rather not have to buy the service manuals __________________ CAMARO Consult your doctor before taking Camaro Side effects include Sudden increase in Heart Rate, Insomnia and occasional hallucinations If you experience Permagrin exceeding 4 hours after taking Camaro, seek immediate Camaro5 Help CAMARO Bringing excitment back into the Garage

04-26-2016, 09:47 AM	#3
MagnumForceGB Drives: Fastest 2010 Camaro V6 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newcastle, OK Posts: 3,571 View My Garage	There is a website with the manuals, will have to find it later. Or you could just duct tape the chains to the cams, redneck fix. __________________ Camaro V6 = 11.268 @ 120.11

04-26-2016, 11:18 AM	#4
TJ91 :chevy: Drives: 2LT/RS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,033	Thanks guys I want to do the chains myself. So if I can get the manuals that would be awesome! Just want to make sure I get all the timing done correct. __________________ CAMARO Consult your doctor before taking Camaro Side effects include Sudden increase in Heart Rate, Insomnia and occasional hallucinations If you experience Permagrin exceeding 4 hours after taking Camaro, seek immediate Camaro5 Help CAMARO Bringing excitment back into the Garage

04-26-2016, 11:29 AM	#5
MagnumForceGB Drives: Fastest 2010 Camaro V6 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newcastle, OK Posts: 3,571 View My Garage	The website that was hosting the PDF's isn't there anymore, but I have all of them. They are in 3.6l engine repair in vehicle 1, message me your e-mail or I can transfer it to you in facebook if you are in the performance group. __________________ Camaro V6 = 11.268 @ 120.11

04-26-2016, 09:51 PM	#6
TJ91 :chevy: Drives: 2LT/RS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,033	Just want to thank Magnum for taking the time to send me the Service Manual. Looking at the manual, its not entirely clear in regards to the setting the timing. Do I assume that my timing is correct and just lock the cams in place? Maybe I am reading the manual wrong but it doesn't seem to have precise information on setting the timing __________________ CAMARO Consult your doctor before taking Camaro Side effects include Sudden increase in Heart Rate, Insomnia and occasional hallucinations If you experience Permagrin exceeding 4 hours after taking Camaro, seek immediate Camaro5 Help CAMARO Bringing excitment back into the Garage

04-26-2016, 09:36 AM	#2
CamaroSS sleeper Drives: Sleeper_NOT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Ventura Posts: 184 View My Garage	you can always rotate the motor until piston 1 is at TDC than just use the timing marks on the engine. Google all torque values ect.

04-26-2016, 10:10 PM	#7
MagnumForceGB Drives: Fastest 2010 Camaro V6 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newcastle, OK Posts: 3,571 View My Garage	There are timing marks on both the chains and sprocket. Line them up and you should be good. __________________ Camaro V6 = 11.268 @ 120.11

04-27-2016, 06:13 AM	#8
JantzenOKC Drives: '13 2LT/RS Twin Turbo Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma Posts: 3,073	There are special tools to lock the back of the cams. I did mine without it but you just have to make sure you have them in the right position(flat spots on back of cam up and level). There's a phase 1 timing position for the crank to time one head/chain. Then you turn the crank to phase 2 marks to time the other head/chain. The marks suck because you can't rotate it around 2 revs and recheck. The marks on the chains never line up again you just have to have faith that you did it right. I hate not being able to double check my marks. __________________ 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Garrett GT28 turbos -- Jacfab forged connecting rods -- Diamond forged pistons(10.5:1) -- Alky Control Methonal Injection -- CircleD 2E triple disc torque converter -- BMR suspension 10.75 @ 131mph

04-27-2016, 06:26 AM	#9
JantzenOKC Drives: '13 2LT/RS Twin Turbo Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma Posts: 3,073	I'm not sure how different the llt is from the lfx but here's some pics from when I setup my lfx chains. Drivers side chain: Attached Images __________________ 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Garrett GT28 turbos -- Jacfab forged connecting rods -- Diamond forged pistons(10.5:1) -- Alky Control Methonal Injection -- CircleD 2E triple disc torque converter -- BMR suspension 10.75 @ 131mph

04-27-2016, 06:26 AM	#10
JantzenOKC Drives: '13 2LT/RS Twin Turbo Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma Posts: 3,073	Intermediate chain: Attached Images __________________ 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Garrett GT28 turbos -- Jacfab forged connecting rods -- Diamond forged pistons(10.5:1) -- Alky Control Methonal Injection -- CircleD 2E triple disc torque converter -- BMR suspension 10.75 @ 131mph

04-27-2016, 06:27 AM	#11
JantzenOKC Drives: '13 2LT/RS Twin Turbo Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma Posts: 3,073	Passenger side chain: Attached Images __________________ 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Garrett GT28 turbos -- Jacfab forged connecting rods -- Diamond forged pistons(10.5:1) -- Alky Control Methonal Injection -- CircleD 2E triple disc torque converter -- BMR suspension 10.75 @ 131mph

04-27-2016, 06:28 AM	#12
JantzenOKC Drives: '13 2LT/RS Twin Turbo Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma Posts: 3,073	Phase 1 timing mark: Attached Images __________________ 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Garrett GT28 turbos -- Jacfab forged connecting rods -- Diamond forged pistons(10.5:1) -- Alky Control Methonal Injection -- CircleD 2E triple disc torque converter -- BMR suspension 10.75 @ 131mph

04-27-2016, 06:29 AM	#13
JantzenOKC Drives: '13 2LT/RS Twin Turbo Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma Posts: 3,073	Phase 2 timing mark: Attached Images __________________ 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Garrett GT28 turbos -- Jacfab forged connecting rods -- Diamond forged pistons(10.5:1) -- Alky Control Methonal Injection -- CircleD 2E triple disc torque converter -- BMR suspension 10.75 @ 131mph

04-27-2016, 09:41 AM	#14
rtcat600man having FUN now 13.66@101 Drives: 2010 2LT IOM Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Clarkston, Michigan Posts: 9,230 View My Garage	Great photos. Thank - you for sharing........subscribed. __________________ MY BUILD