What kinds of drivability symtoms would one experience if the timing chain and or gears is worn or stretched? Stock L98 with 123,000 miles. Engine bay is nice, all components correct and looks like a new car. Recommend a quality replacement please. Thanks

 

Most likely a loss in HP as well as timing issues. Corrent me if I'm wrong anyone.

 

A stretched chain and worn gears retard the cam. Retarding the cam tends to move the powerband up, so you'll lose low-end power but improve upper-RPM power (very slightly).

 

Timing will be "jumpy." Disconnect the timing wire so you aren't getting any ECM-supplied advance. Check your timing- rev the engine up and down a bit. You'll see the timing mark jump around about 2-3* here and there if the chain is stretched pretty good. The looser it is, the jumpier the timing gets until it finally jumps a tooth and then you're hosed.

123K is enough miles that the stock chain will be stretched out even if well cared for. 200K on an original chain is certainly possible (my record is a cool quarter million miles) but believe me, anything over 100K and you're no longer in "high performance" territory for the chain.

 

I agree and it's time to just change it now. The damper has shifted somewhat so I will replace it at the same time. Thanks for the input.