I am upgrading my 496 mag with the HO cam and can't figure out how to time the gold link in the timing chain. I understand the basic timing process using the dimples in the sprockets. Where should the gold link be during this process? Please help. It appears the cam position sensor in the timing cover is looking for this. I don't see any other dimples to time the chain to during assy.

That link is nothing to worry about. Just use the two dots - dampener and cam. The link can be anywhere; it's not monitored.

Thanks for the reply. If it is not monitored, what does the sensor do in the timing cover? Just curious. I checked both the marine manual and the automotive manual for the 8.1 for a GM 2500 series and there is no mention of the mark.

cam position sensor....

the gold link needs to be 33.54 degrees past tdc or the engine wont start.JUST KIDDING,i have no clue about the 496,maybe raylor will chime in,he is the man when the 496 is involved.

In the 8.1L -496 gen 7 engine the camshaft sensor is a hall effect sensor switch that looks on the surface face of the camshaft gear for the ends of the 180 degree recess groove as a means of telling the ECM when the engine is at TDC on #1 cylinder versus TDC on cylinder #6 which both have the piston up at TDC the same time but cylinder #1 is ready to fire and cylinder #6 is at the top of its exhaust stroke. Because this 180 degree groove in the camshaft gear has start groove point ,one that aligns with #1 compression at TDC and a groove end point that aligns with #6 TDC compression point the ECM with its input from the crankshaft reluctor knows what igniiton coil should be firing at these points. The camshaft sensor is basically operating as on on-off switch depending on whether its looking at the high face versus the low face of this 180 degree groove. This camshaft sensor signal and the crankshaft sensor signal allow the ECM to quickly identify the engine timing points for firing the correct cylinders quicker, only about 12.5 degrees rotation, and the crankshaft reluctor signal to be accurately timed to the correct point of TDC of #1 cylinder with less rotation of the engine.

This is why when the camshaft sensor or signal fails the engine must be cranked for a longer time and usually needs about two full 360 rotations to start and it will usually also kick back as the ECM triggers fuel and spark into the cylinders 180degress out of phase in the rotation not knowing which cylinder #1 or #6 is really at TDC compression point. I've seen this happen on many 496's and break the starter from severe kickback!

The timing chain and its links have absolutly no use or effect on this senosrs function.

Sorry for the wordy explanation but its a fairly sophisticated timing system on an electronic sequential efi engine.

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

thanks ray,good info,and i don,t even own a 496.

Thanks for all the detail. I really appreciate it.

If you align it to a mark and unfortunately have to get back into the engine, you can get it right back in the same spot. Shouldn't matter but nice to keep things in place.