Timing chain/belt?

[E.Buzz]

This might sound dumb, but how hard is it to replace the timing chain/belt on my '89? I also want to replace the fluids. The SHO has 117k on it, is there anything else I should do?
Help!

 

[E.Buzz]

Oh, almost forgot...
How can I tell if it's a rod or cable shifter? Got an MTX, just curious.

 

[jelloslug]

So do you want to replace the timeing chains or the belt? It's got both. If your interested in the belt do a quick search for "60K". If it's the chains your interested in try a search for "timing chain" or "timing chain tensioner". As of the shifter, popt the top off the the console where the shifter boot is. If there are cables going toward the firewall its a cable shifter, if not it's a rod shifter. You can also look under the car, if there is a box under the car where the shifter is mounted with rod comming out of it, it's a rod shifter if not... well you get the point thumb

 

[Rockledge]

To help with the timing belt change, check out this site and go to the "Lower 60K Guide":

http://www.shophoenixproject.com/maint.htm

 

[shoplus1991]

www.shonutperformance.com sells a good video tape of the timing belt procedure. If you are mechanically inclined and have a decent set of tools, you should be able to conquer this procedure. Otherwise, find a mechanic or dealer who has done one (no one can make money doing this for the first time so be careful--you don't want anyone to cut corners on this job). There is a lot of stuff that comes off before you get to the timing belt. Most people who do this job also replace the water pump and crank position sensor since they are exposed when you get in there and you don't want to go back at this for another 60K miles...Good luck!

 

[E.Buzz]

It has both a chain and a belt? What? where's the difference? What do they do? headbang

 

[sho 'nuff]

The belt is at one end of the camshaft and the chain is at the other. Usually the belt will need to be replaced at some point and the chain will not.

 

[AutoSHO]

The SHO utilizes both a Timing belt to drive the Intake camshafts off of the crankshaft, and a timing chain that drives the exhaust cam from the intake cams.

Here are a couple good pictures of the front bank Cam Chain (thanks to NotSoSlowSHO):

And here is a good picture of the timing belt:

 

[sdpatt]

Images from my engine's 60K services at 269,000 miles.

Timing belt (front end 60K)

Timing chain (the second chain is on the other cylinder bank) (top end 60K)

Try this topic for 60K parts and recommended replacement intervals.

Click this link to PhotoIsland to visit my collection of SHO service pictures. Enter the guest password: service.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Yay, my engine is famous

 

[E.Buzz]

coo. Thanks guys! beer