Does anybody out there know for sure if Chevrolet used the same aluminum/plastic camshaft timing sprocket on the 1982 Corvette that they used for so many years on all the other V-8 engines? My 82 has 120K miles on it, and I am getting nervous about the possibility of the timing chain jumping teeth.
My 1970 Chev pickup did just that while idling at a stop light with about the same miles on the engine. The plastic teeth on the aluminum gear had deteriorated to the point where most of them had fallen off, and the chain jumped out of time without warning. Left me stranded. I hate when that happens! Only thing WORSE than getting stranded on the way to work, is having it happen to my Vette.

Thanks in advance...
Gumby

 

I did some research recently and found the '82 Corvette has the nylon cam timing gear.
At 120K miles, I would change it to a steel double roller timing set with the adjustable cam timing 3 way key on the crank gear.

In the past on a '63 Corvette 327 and '69 Camaro 396, I advanced the timing 2 degrees to allow for chain stretch which would then put the cam around TDC. Both cars ran great with good gas mileage & bottom-end torque.

I would use the Fel-Pro #OS3451OT one piece re-useable gasket which makes it easier to install since it's one piece versus the 4 piece cork/rubber type and has steel inserts to prevent overtightening with plastic aligning pins to hold the gasket in place while installing the oil pan from underneath the car.

Be sure to loosen or remove the spark plugs as it will make turning the crank easier & disconnect the battery connection to prevent any accidental engine starts while turning the crank by hand.


If you are a stickler for accuracy & want to find TDC, you need to get a spark plug type TDC locator tool, a degree wheel & crank socket w/ degree wheel hold-down stud.
Amazon.com has free shipping for the Comp Cams crank socket for degree wheel PN #3793, Comp Cams degree wheel PN #4786 or #4790, and ProForm TDC locater 14mm spark plug type PN# 66792. *Note: Mr. Gasket PN #1570 does not work with Comp Cams PN #3793; its center hole is too small, but works with Mr. Gasket Dampener Installation Tool PN #6291.

 

If you decide to go w/ a roller timing chain, be aware that there are two types, one is a roller chain and the other is a true roller which is a little more expensive but a lot more durable. Small price to pay especially if you plan to keep it for awhile.