Thread: Questions on LIM, water pump and timing chain...

I havent been here in forever but have a few questions...

98 GTP, 161k miles on it. Runs perfect. No loss of antifreeze, small oil drips from pan. I baby this thing, but starting to get to the point where I know I should probably replace a few things.

Not sure on recommended time interval for changing out items.

1. When should I change my timing chain and gears?

2. Do the intake manifold gaskets always fail? I have never replaced mine, but thinking I should before I actually develop an issue.

3. How long do the water pumps last?

I have no problem working on cars, as it is actually my hobby. I baby this thing, but sort of neglect her as well. Im thinking that with 161k miles on her, I should just tear into the front of the engine, replace the water pump, timing chain and gears, and also do the intake manifold gaskets.

Thoughts?

Timing chains are amazing and shouldn't ever need to be changed unless you mod things up on the valve train. aka stronger springs.

Water pump.. could be tomorrow, could be eternity. Replace it when it goes bad.

Intake manifold gaskets. If they are the plastic framed ones, I've seen them start distorting as soon as 10K miles. That doesn't mean they are leaking or causing trouble. But I'd swap to aluminum and drive forever.

Ok, thanks. I wasnt sure how the timing chain and gears on the GTP motors were set up, if they have an tensioner or not, or if they had plastic teeth gears like the Olds 307's were from the factory.

As far as the water pump, I change the coolant every 3 years and still doesnt make any noise or overheat, just wanted to make sure I wasnt asking for trouble with not replacing it yet.

The intake gaskets, I have heard of people having issues with them, but wasnt sure what or how to diagnose if they are bad or not. I dont have any issues with the car but I dont want to end up stranded somewhere becuase I should have done something 10k miles ago. lol

Diag on the intake gaskets is easy. Look where the LIM meets the head. If you see any color except silver, plan on changing them in the spring or a warm garage.

The gears are all metal, with nice chain and a plastic like tensioner that lays against the chain. Here's 133K miles