67 big block timing chain cover

[Ridge K.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

7 inch timing tab is squared 400hp, 8 inch timing tab is tapered 435hp Also there is the no dowel situation. I don't remember the early or late version had a dowel hole or not. So basically the timing cover reflects the year used. Also the nut at the bottom of the timing cover. I think 65 66 had them and 67's didn't Some one can correct me on that.

Thanks, Grant

Grant's photos are exactly correct, as well as Joe's comments are accurate, as usual.
Here's a couple pics of the timing cover on my March '67 built L68 400hp (46,000 mile barn find). These photos taken of it upon removal for restoration (before any cleaning, obviously). VIN in 140XX range.
Hope these pics help shed some more light on the issue.
Ridge.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

Grant's photos are exactly correct, as well as Joe's comments are accurate, as usual.
Here's a couple pics of the timing cover on my March '67 built L68 400hp (46,000 mile barn find). These photos taken of it upon removal for restoration (before any cleaning, obviously). VIN in 140XX range.
Hope these pics help shed some more light on the issue.
Ridge.

Ridge-----


Did this cover have a weld-nut (unused) on the bottom, just a hole with no weld-nut, or no hole, at all?

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

In looking at this thread, I found that I now have a question. Where are the dowels holes located on the cover? I just looked at another recent thread where a picture of a 65-66 timing cover was posted and noticed that there are a total of 10 holes drilled on the flange face through which bolts go to attach it to the block. I have seen examples where there are two more holes drilled (for a total of 12) - are these the dowel holes you're referring to? Would anyone have a picture of a late '66 timing chain cover that would have been on a Jan. '67 car? Note that this total of holes does not include the hole at the 6 o'clock position.....

Thanks for your help!

Bob

Bob-----


The photo below shows a 1969 timing cover with the dowel pin holes. They are the holes on either side, second from the bottom.

[Ridge K.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

Ridge-----


Did this cover have a weld-nut (unused) on the bottom, just a hole with no weld-nut, or no hole, at all?

Joe, I turned in early this evening, as keeping the grandkids for four days has worn me out.
I'll check it out in the morning and give you a report. Ridge

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

March 1967 390/427 timing chain cover photo.
No dowel pin holes.
Nut at center of pan arc (not used)
Rectangular timing mark tab.

[Ridge K.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

Ridge-----


Did this cover have a weld-nut (unused) on the bottom, just a hole with no weld-nut, or no hole, at all?

Joe I got to where I had a good view of the bottom of the cover (shop too full right now).
There is no weld nut, used, or unused at the pan arc.
There is a small hole, which you can see a pan gasket inside, which appears to be black rubber. Possibly, a small nub of gasket material at this spot.
No dowel pin holes on the sides, the same as Stephen reports on his.
So far, I have found no evidence that the engine had ever been apart in it's 46,000 mile life. I have not found original owner #1 as of yet, however.
Sorry, but my shop conditions were too tight to get you a pic of the bottom area. One of my cars has to go to allow more room for my Corvette.
Hope this helps, Ridge.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

Joe I got to where I had a good view of the bottom of the cover (shop too full right now).
There is no weld nut, used, or unused at the pan arc.
There is a small hole, which you can see a pan gasket inside, which appears to be black rubber. Possibly, a small nub of gasket material at this spot.
No dowel pin holes on the sides, the same as Stephen reports on his.
So far, I have found no evidence that the engine had ever been apart in it's 46,000 mile life. I have not found original owner #1 as of yet, however.
Sorry, but my shop conditions were too tight to get you a pic of the bottom area. One of my cars has to go to allow more room for my Corvette.
Hope this helps, Ridge.

Ridge-----


No photo is necessary. Your description covers it all. As I expected, the weld-nut disappeared sometime during the 1967 model year.

Based upon the information from both you and Stephen, both with March, 1967-built engines, it looks like March MIGHT have been the approximate time the weld-nut was eliminated. Of course, it could also be that a phase-out period occurred in which, for some period of time, covers with and without weld-nuts were used.

[Robert K.]

Re: 67 big block timing chain cover

Joe/Ridge/Steve,

Thank you all very much for responding to my comment. Sorry for starting up a thread from 2008 however, I got interested and wasn't sure where those dowel holes were supposed to be located!

Thank you again,

Bob