ls timing chain

Went out this morning day after Christmas to start my Ls and the timing chain just went(did not drive it) so my question is has anyone replaced a chain on a Ls? How difficult is it(I am mechanic savy) or do I have a dealer do it? Also is there enough clearance between valve and piston for no damage? Do need help here. Dealer wants over $2,000.00 for job. Hard to believe that on a 04 with only 54,000 miles a timing chain would go.Other than that the car is in excellent condition.
Thanks for any help.

Welcome to the forum!

Does your LS have the V6 or the V8? How do you know that it is the timing chain that went?

Others have posted on there regarding the timing chain, you might try searching the forum for their experiences. The model year should not effect much when it comes to the process for changing the chain.

-Rod

Motor is a V8, because belt rotates and motor turns as if no spark plugs are in.

Motor is a V8, because belt rotates and motor turns as if no spark plugs are in.

There are four timing chains, two for each bank. The gen I LS is known to have issues with failing timing chain guides and tensioners. I was hoping that the gen II wouldn't have these issues.
If a secondary (exhaust) chain breaks, then I think that you are okay. If the primary (intake) chain breaks, then I think that the intake valves and the pistons hit.
Some special tools are required to get the chains on with all the cams aligned correctly.

... The model year should not effect much when it comes to the process for changing the chain.

-Rod

I wouldn't bet on that. Remember that the gen II has variable valve timing and the gen I doesn't.

I wouldn't bet on that. Remember that the gen II has variable valve timing and the gen I doesn't.

I don't think I ever knew that. Interesting. I guess that would help explain the slight bump in power for the Gen 2. Thanks for the info.

-Rod

Motor is a V8, because belt rotates and motor turns as if no spark plugs are in.

Do a compression check on each cylinder, if you got bent valves , the cost is more than $2K!
0psi = bent valves & broken chain.

Do you have an extended warranty on this car?

Thanks for all the help. I think I am going with a rebuilt motor. Will check tomorrow on cost for installation around here. Will try to get the whole package done hopefully around $5000/ motor runs $3000 rebuilt.Dealer wants $6500 (new)with a $2500 installation charge. That's to hard a hit to take.
Thanks again for the help.