Timing Chain Cover

[68/70Vette]

Currently, for a place keeper, I have a $10 chrome stamped steel timing chain cover on my engine I'm building. I noticed Comp Cams sells a three piece timing chain cover that allows you to re-phase the cam shaft without removing the balancer and also allows you to replace the cam without removing the timing chain cover. It's pretty pricey. Some other timing chain covers have discussions about cam shaft button features. I like the idea of working on the cam without removing the balancer.

Recommendations about timing chain covers and their features? I'm willing to buy some of these pricey parts, but I don't want to spend money if it's not necessary.

I'm installing a serpentine belt system with a long water pump so I think I've got adequate room.

Thanks again

Hal

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Do you mean the billet comp cams thing with the tensioner? I saw it too, looks great but man what a price.

I have the old one, it's bare aluminum not black and 2 pc. It still requires pulling the damper or pulling it forward and rotating it out of the way.

The new one has a lot of nice features like the removable crank seal allowing you to run a big block snout crank without buying a different cover, the 3 timing pointer mounting bosses for popular balancer sizes, the built in externally adjustable thrust button and best of all is that built in tensioner/guide.

I assume this is what you're talking about?

 

[big2bird]

.................. allows you to replace the cam without removing the timing chain cover. ....... I like the idea of working on the cam without removing the balancer.

Maybe it's just me, but instead of changing cams IN a Vette, I would just pop the engine out. 8 bolts and your on a stand, vs messing with radiator/all the rest of that mess to do it in a car.

 

[JeffP1167]

.................. allows you to replace the cam without removing the timing chain cover. ....... I like the idea of working on the cam without removing the balancer.

Maybe it's just me, but instead of changing cams IN a Vette, I would just pop the engine out. 8 bolts and your on a stand, vs messing with radiator/all the rest of that mess to do it in a car.

8 bolts ????? I think you forgot a few things LOL .....

 

[JeffP1167]

Currently, for a place keeper, I have a $10 chrome stamped steel timing chain cover on my engine I'm building. I noticed Comp Cams sells a three piece timing chain cover that allows you to re-phase the cam shaft without removing the balancer and also allows you to replace the cam without removing the timing chain cover. It's pretty pricey. Some other timing chain covers have discussions about cam shaft button features. I like the idea of working on the cam without removing the balancer.

Recommendations about timing chain covers and their features? I'm willing to buy some of these pricey parts, but I don't want to spend money if it's not necessary.

I'm installing a serpentine belt system with a long water pump so I think I've got adequate room.

Thanks again

Hal

Are you using a F-Body serpentine drive since you are using a long style pump?

 

[Twin_Turbo]

8 bolts ????? I think you forgot a few things LOL .....

I hate pulling engines by themselves, if I have to pull one, the tranny comes out too, much easier than wrestling with the bellhousing bolts

 

[JeffP1167]

8 bolts ????? I think you forgot a few things LOL .....

I hate pulling engines by themselves, if I have to pull one, the tranny comes out too, much easier than wrestling with the bellhousing bolts

Seems to me it could be easier lifting the body off then pulling the engine! Maybe he meant 8 bolts to remove the hood hahahahaha .... Or he forgot about all the stuff connected to the motor that has to be removed.

 

[AJ77]

When I wiped the cam in my '77 in Oct. '08, I had the engine out and on the stand in about an hour and a half by myself. Left the hood on and the rad in. Worst part was the top two bellhousing bolts. Art

 

[clutchdust]

Pulling the engine really isn't that hard, but I can definitely see where this little gizmo would come in handy. Of course, I'm the kind of guy that is pretty happy if the engine sounds like it's ready to eat small children, regardless of how much more might be in there with a little tuning. I'm just that lazy.

 

[big2bird]

When I wiped the cam in my '77 in Oct. '08, I had the engine out and on the stand in about an hour and a half by myself. Left the hood on and the rad in. Worst part was the top two bellhousing bolts. Art

Yep. That's what I'm talkin about. Do it on a stand. Seal it up. Dial it in. Spend a couple hours the next day dropping her back in.

 

[SmokinBBC]

Other than replacing a wiped cam, I wonder how many guys actually go in and mess with it once the engine is buttoned up?

 

[pcf_mark]

Make sure you check piston-to-valve in the different phases or bad things could happen!

I do not know anyone who has used one in a street car but on a dyno it would be priceless to get your money's worth for the hour(s) you rent it.