Me personally, I have officially given up on Cloyes. Their products have cost me enough money and headaches. So I'll likely buy the chain kit from GM and the upgraded ZZP front guide. I already have the stronger upper guide bolt installed, so that's no issue. I'll inspect my balancer chain and see if it needs attention too.

 

While you’re in there change both chains. Don’t be upset if the GM chain was made by Cloyes.

https://a.co/d/2lriDsi

The GM AC Delco kit

 

Have 2011 hhr 2.2….bought car with 109,xxx on it…now has 280,xxx. I bought a EVERGREEN timing kit that included the waterpump. Waterpump seals did fail at about 80,000 miles on it but chains and guides are still same I put in it. Most of the miles are interstate, constant speed miles. I do need to check chain for slack again….figure its due.
I actually modified the waterpump timing tool so there was no way the chain could get any slack.

 

I installed an Evergreen kit I bought off EBay for a bid of $35. It stretched at 20,000 miles I had to replace it

This was that chain at only 20,000 miles

 

I remember you telling me about that

 

I can only share my experience with these problems

 

currently at 281930 miles,….new chains and guides were at 109,xxx. Front guide looks good as far as I can tell.

281,930 miles

 

Top guide looks great chain is nice and tight.

 

I change oil regularly….most all miles are interstate constant speed…

 

Do you have that front guide upper bolt replaced with the stronger bolt?