Anyone have any experience with kit like this? Specifically if the cam phaser or actuator hold up? 2.4 engine in 2010 Malibu. I have over 100,000 miles on Evergreen chains but I put Dorman phasers in mine.

 

This was my chain kit from Evergreen after just 20,000 miles, stretched , I bid $35.00 on EBay and won, not a very good prize! Stick with Cloyes or GM .

 

^This^

Considering the labor and/or cost involved, not to mention the risk of engine destruction, economizing on these parts is not the best course.

My opinion has evolved. Here’s what I would do today:

1) Get the GM cam chain kit with no sprockets. Omit the front guide and use ZZP upgraded guide instead. This gets you the GM chain & tensioner. (I returned a Cloyes cam chain tensioner, bad out of the box.) Get any upgraded upper bolt to use instead of what's in the GM kit.
2) Get GM or Cloyes balance chain kit with no sprockets, but us the GM 28289946 tensioner instead of what's in the kit. That balance tensioner has a stronger spring. It supersedes the older one in later Ecotec cars but for some reason GM doesn't seem to have made the change for HHR. Maybe it’s included in their kits for later cars but I have no way of knowing.

Alternatively, you could get the ZZP upgraded complete kit if you discard the included Cloyes balance tensioner and use the GM 28289946 mentioned above instead. Or, maybe ZZP is already using it. I have no idea.

I don't like replacing OEM water pumps unless really needed.

ZZP recommends against changing any sprockets, but I would consider replacing the phasers with GM if I had any concerns about their condition, or for performance application.

I think using a new engine cover gasket is prudent because if it leaks it's a serious pita to go back and change.

 

There is absolutely no reason to replace sprockets or phasers/actuators, unless they somehow got damaged.

 

I hear you. I appreciate the feedback. Maybe the kit I got was just a higher quality accident…lol. I did replace all my old gears with the new ones in the kit just cause had em an paid for them…but I did buy Dorman brand phasers. Car had 109,xxx when put kit in it, now has 245,895…checked chain couple weeks ago, no slack. Not bad for 228.00 timing kit, less Phasers

Oh….I did put the aftermarket bolt in front top of guide….thru access plug cause mine had fell out…threads all jacked up