VN timing chain and tensioner

[John Abbott]

Hey Bas....It might be worth your while browsing around the "Just Commodore Forum" and picking the section relating to vn vp . Then ask a question in the search box and see what posts come up?
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/vn-vp-holden-commodore-1988-1993/

[Rogue Trooper]

I pulled apart the block that I was using to make the crossmember and engine mounts in mine. I have no idea which model the block was from but it was definitely a later model to my engine and I just swapped the whole unit spring and all.

[BusyKiwi]

just use the new spring, if it is longer just snip it to suit.
The bit that was to long is just the end that goes into the block, we're talking 5-8mm

[Bas NZ]

Yes david I understand that, thanks, BUT Shane says that there are2 VP units an eailer and later model the eailer model comes up with the same part number ( threaded bolt) the later moder comes up with a different number and a blind bolt fitting? so I guess you used the eailer model, but holden shows none left in the country, the later model is around $90.00. Bas

[Bas NZ]

Ok, update for those interested, Have decided to go with the double row timing chain kit, so don't need a tensioner any more, the kit comes with the chain and new cam gears.  I'm not saying the double row chain is any better, but you don't use the tensioner, and this is the part that is a problem to get in NZ, and the reversed kit you can get for the VN S1 is not cheap, this reversed tensioner is the same as the VR use but fitted with the short bolt and smaller  spring.

[John Abbott]

I wouldnt mind a pic of this setup when you get it Bas. Just for curiosity

[Bas NZ]

No probs, will be about a week away, Holden use this set up on there V8 motors, and ofcourse most race cars use this too.

[BusyKiwi]

how does it compare price wise?

[Bas NZ]

Still waiting on full price, will be around $200ish, that's will all gaskets cam gears etc needed.

David will go the way because I am not sure where the rattle is from, it is either the tensioner or balance shaft bearing, (both of which will be made redundant with a double row timing chain)

I would like to set up straight cut gears, but would cost to much...................

[John Abbott]

Hey Bas.....I have a s1 vn with a rattle in the engine bay. I was quite sure it was the balance shaft but i tried a little trick which was...i took off the serpentine belt (fanbelt or drivebelt) and started the motor, not one rattle !! If it had been a timing chain or anything else in the engine internals it would of kept rattling. So that narrowed iy down to the accessory pulleys, eg powersteering,alternater,waterpump,tensioner,and aircon. So it turned out it was a dodgey powersteering pump Yah so i am in the process of rebuilding a second hand one to replace it with.I was so glad i didnt have to open up the engine
P.S I got this tip from a post on the Just Commodore site  (thankyou)