Lt1 timing chain slack

[dirtybird]

Just put my new timing chain on, it still has about a half inch of slack. Should I just put new gears on or is this acceptable?
Thanks all

[McCauleyWB]

It is normal to have slack, but many don't like to see over a 1/4 inch. Quarter to half inch is pretty common though. Cloyes does make an oversized crank gear that will snug it up a bit. I think the part number is S505.