So after some reading I want to do my tensioner but fairly leary of doing it since I have read some stories of the timing jumping and so forth.

Alot of the LSJ guys seem to be just screwing out the old one and screwing the new one in and calling it a day, yet others are saying there is alot more steps to do it right.

I cant afford down time with my car since its my only mode of transportation but really want to do this asap.

I even called the local gm and asked how much they would charge to do it and he told me its a 4 hr job and i going to cost me $480 to do not including the cost of the tensioner which was another $100 lol. I actually had to laugh at him on the phone. He was also saying I needed all new slides for it to work. So say the least its not going there considering I can replace the motor for cheaper.

So.....has anyone done this and have pics or can recall the steps and things to look out for that would be appreciated..

take out old...insert new....make sure it is in the operating position and you are good to go...its not hard AT ALL.

EvoFire wrote:take out old...insert new....make sure it is in the operating position and you are good to go...its not hard AT ALL.

There is a nice read up on it if you search. If you install in without it in activating position, which you probably should. Take the valve cover off and hit it with a long bar or screwdriver to activate the spring.

Maybe it'll make more sense when its sitting in front of me. But the whacking with a hammer and all that has me stumped. One guy said your supposed to take it apart as well, and another was also taking about resetting it etc.

Ive searched and searched and found alot of different ideas, ways, opinions but no concise answer.

do it how the instructions that will come with it tell you to!!!!

Ah..instructions....who looks at those!

I'd play it safe and at least check it to make sure it is engaged, instead of hoping it is and jumping the engines timing.

I remember that, they are not that great. I did mine, installed it when building the engine though, had valve cover off and hit it, the oil pressure does the rest. I have a extra new design one if you need it, pm me if interested.