Porsche 911 & Carrera Cam Towers & Timing Chains

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Rebuilding your engine is a process that should be done right. Replace your chain with a durable one-piece chain, or one with a removable master link so that you can remove the chain without tearing down a large part of the engine. Be sure to also to get the proper gasket and hardware kit to reinstall the timing chain covers.

It's not a matter of whether your chain tensioners will fail, it's more of a matter of when. A seal in the spring loaded tensioners very often fails. Failing chain tensioners cause the timing of the valves with respect to the pistons to become all misaligned. This can result in catastrophic damage to the valve train and pistons. In 1984, with the introduction of the 911 Carrera, Porsche replaced the standard spring loaded tensioners with hydraulic pressure-fed tensioners.

The Carrera Pressure Fed Tensioner kit includes 2 covers, oil lines, tensioners, and all the gaskets and hardware that you need to perform this upgrade. This kit can be installed on all 911 and 911 Turbo motors from 1969. Some early cars require an oil line adapter, and smog pump cars require replacement of two short studs with longer ones. In addition, to get the proper fit, you need to upgrade your chain sprocket idler arms (see previous section), or install chain sprocket wheel spacers.Click here to see a tech article of a step-by-step procedure on upgrading to Carrera tensioners as well as how to properly install the chain guides.

Note #1: Chain housing gaskets are indeed included with the kit, and are placed in-between the two large pieces of cardboard that are taped together. This is done to protect the gaskets - do not throw the cardboard out when you get the kit (many people have done this).

Note #2: Engines from 1967-1972 require removal of the two upper studs on the left chain housing cover, and replacement with the two longer studs (M8x60).

There isn't too much argument that the 911 chain tensioners are infamous for causing major problems with 911 engines. In 1984, Porsche finally solved the problem through the combination of two important upgrades: the replacement of the chain sprocket supports with beefier ones, and the replacement of the spring loaded tensioners with ones that are hydraulically dampened. Without a doubt, this is the single most important upgrade that you can perform on your 911 engine during the rebuild process. For those who want 'peace-of-mind' with their rebuild, we offer two Pelican Chain Tensioner Super Kits. Both kits contain all of the hardware, parts and gaskets needed to upgrade to the hydraulic chain tensioners and the improved sprocket supports. Note: Porsche upgraded the sprocket supports in 1980, and it is also common to find engines with this upgrade already performed. Check your engine before ordering. The Super Kit Lite is offered without the timing chains and ramps, in case you have already purchased our "Engine Case Essentials Parts Super Kit".

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