I would use GM parts, I think Rock auto has the timing chain for 97 $ (Delco)
There are some GM dealers like this one that wholesale'* chain for $61
Online Catalog | GM Wholesale Parts
You can Google GM wholesale Parts online and even see if anything is listed for CA.

Great thanks for the link soft ride ill check into that. I agree with using GM parts every thing I read about after market parts for these engine scar me. I have been looking at water pumps but not seeing any GM pumps yet. ill check out the link you sent and some of the other places..

Thanks

Skylark97

Hello every one doing a update here. My parts are coming in for the timing chain and sprocket change out, only problem is the I order a tool to hold the cam sprocket in place. The tool has 4 pins that go through the sprockets to hold it in place so you can remove the center bolt. I was getting ready to remove the sprockets except the sprocket I have on the engine have slots in them. my engine is a 1997 2.4L engine. The replacement sprockets I have have 4 holes in them and the tool fits them with no problem. The sprockets that are in the engine now have slots. I did a little research and found that the 2.3L engine has sprockets with slots in them also the chain tensioner not looking the same the one that’* in the engine looks to be for a 2.3L . When I order the parts they came from GM and used my vin number when I order them. Is it possible that parts form a 3.2L engine could fit up to a 3.4L? could this be my problem from the start? Anyone out there have any input on this?
Check out photos . Link >
http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/Sk...nd%20tensioner
Thanks

slylark97

Link for the above post.

Link > Sprockets And Tensioner Slideshow by Skylark97 | Photobucket

I seem to remember a design change....I remember the two special tools for the cams, one was set up for holes, the other for slots....now what year that design change took place, I couldn't tell you......

Your best bet would go to a GM parts department, and they could tell you if your year was a transition year where they made the change....

Thanks tech II , The parts are in for the change out and all came from the Ed Rinke Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealer items. They ask for the Vin before sending pats to be sure everything is right for that year car. So I’m assuming all the parts that came in are right for that car. The only problem I have indeed is if those parts can cross fit one another. 2.3 to 2.4. Alldata info says that the 1997 2.4 engine parts cannot be inter changeable with any other year or could damage the engine. The 2.3 was ended in 1995 for buicks skylark and started using the 2.4L in 1996. I was going to levee the water pump in there but now I’m thinking it’* probably wrong too. Is there some kind of stamp on the block that tells me for sure what engine this * is? I did buy the car used years ago and maybe there was a engine change out but really I don’t think so. Vale cover says 2.4L on it and everything looks pretty clean under the hood. Ill keep plunging along here until I find all the facts. Want to thank you Tech II for hanging in there for me, seems like threes not a lot of people out there with this type of engine. Not a lot of feedback. Ill keep you posted till the end. Lots to learn here.

Skylark 97

I am pretty sure, a 2.4L is a "T"(8th digit of VIN).....2.3 were a 3(single cam) or D(double cam)

2.3 water pumps don't have the sprocket attached(just splined)....2.4'* do, that'* why you have to remove the timing chain to install a w/p in a 2.4, but you don't in a 2.3.....

Hey Tech II Got it. The water pump is right, for a 2.4L and the 8th digit of the VIN is “T” so I have decided to change out the water pump too. Not sure how good of a pump he put in there, not taking any chances it’* such a bitch to get in there to change out all that stuff I want it all new stuff in there so this next go around ill get a few miles out of it. The pump will take a few days to get here so probably next week end will be in there putting all back together. Ill keep you posted and thanks again.

Skylark97

Wow I’m really bummed out here. Install all the parts timing gear timing chain water pump chain tensioner, Fired up the engine started right up no problem but that same knocking nose is still there! I’m at a lost right now. Need some help here? I really thought the changing out all of that stuff would have done the trick. It was such a mess in there. So where do I start now? Still not sounding like a rod knock to me but hey after all I just did what do I know… I do remember just before the nock I was hearing a nose like the timing was off or maybe the sound of compress air maybe a advance sparking in the cylinder . I did a quick compression check cold engine dry 3 passes and came up with cly#1 195,195,195 cly #2-195,195,195 cly#3-150,160,170, and cly#4-190,190,190 does this mean anything to anyone? For those of you that know this engine 2.4L VinT 1997 buick can you give me any heads up on this?
Thanks
Skylark97

Just got done doing a check for rod bearing by turning over the engine by hand and when the pistons start to go down stop and insert a screw driver thew the spark plug hole and apply pressure if there is a downward movement then there is a bad rod bearing. #3 had movement. Dam! is there such thing as getting away with just replacing bearings or am i looking at a complete overhaul? the engine has 150,000 on it. Does any one know if this engine will come out E,Z threw the top of a skylark 1997?

Thanks