Started 305 to 350 vortec swap. Timing cover question

[Nutcase76]

Finally started conversion from my 1992 5.0lx to 5.7 Vortec. New engine is from 1998 Silverado. A little sludge to clean up but everything else looks fantastic. 180+ psi in all 8 cylinders. Bought full gasket kit. I can't quite find a solid answer on which timing cover to use. The Vortec has the plastic 1 time use cover with sensor. Do i leave it the way it is or do i switch to the metal cover from the 305? It has the metal timing tab and nonsense holes. Already have the Edelbrock 2116 intake and a friend rebuilding the 4bbl Quadrajet for me. Hopefully I don't have any more questions and the rest goes smoothly. Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

your 1988 should have 6 holes in the cover. get an aftermarket aluminum timing cover.from summit racing.

plastic should never be used on a motor.

 

[NHGuy]

Take a look under the original cover. Check for slack in the timing chain. Replacement is wise. The parts are low cost, and easy to change. If you keep the original steel cover be sure to get it flat before reinstalling to avoid leaks. If you get an aluminum one torque it very carefully in a criss cross pattern. I cracked the first one I installed by getting too "ambitious".

 

[achris]

The plastic cover and the metal cover are not interchangeable. Whatever cover was originally on the block is what you are stuck with. If the new block had plastic, then buy a new plastic cover from Summit, not Merc.

Chris. ...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Chris, there is an aluminum aftermarket replacement cover for the troublesome plastic one.

 

[achris]

Chris, there is an aluminum aftermarket replacement cover for the troublesome plastic one.

Nice to know. I did search Summit Racing website but couldn't find anything. Do you have a link? Cheers. (I'll get one, and the next time my engine is out, it'll go on!)

BTW, 'Troublesome' is hardly the word I'd use!

Chris.......

 

[Scott Danforth]

Chris, here you go

https://www.tpis.com/parts/view/245

 

[achris]

Chris, here you go

https://www.tpis.com/parts/view/245

My Hero... :love_heart::love_heart::love_heart:

 

[Scott Danforth]

chris, there are a few ausie companies that make them too