I used the CompCams Aluminum 3 piece timing cover. The thing that they do not tell you until you get the directions is you can not use a regular timing tab. This is due to the spacing increase from the cover.



I started with the Jeg's aluminum pointer.



I first tried just grinding down the backside to get it to fit. Then I noticed I had to take way to much off, so I used a hacksaw to cut it down then even'd out the sides on the bench grinder. I still had to clearance one spot on the backside for the cover design. This is it done though.

 

I was thinking of doing some thing similar with Summits 2 piece timing cover and aluminum timing tabs. I called and asked if they worked together but I was told no pointers would work with the aftermarket covers like this. WTF are you supposed to do for timing if nothing works! Anyway thats cool that you did that. Do you also have some pictures of it on the engine? or mocked up together?

 

Yeah, I can take some shots for you. LOL, I didn't even bother cleaning it... just threw it on there.

You might have clearance problems on the brackets, I did. The cover hit off the brackets on the serpentine belt system. I had to take a bench grinder to some of the lips and corners on the brackets to make enough room.

 

Thats good to know too, thanks! I was going to have my brackets powder coated so I want to take care of the interference problems before I do. Look forward to the pics

 

That higher grinding was for my Stewart Stage 2 Aluminum water pump only I believe.
I had to take a good size notch out of the bracket for pointer clearance too. I don't have any pics of that though. I'll try to snap those here in the next few days and get them up.

 

Thats interesting that you had to clearance the pump. I have the same one and I dont have any fitment issues.

 

I dunno. I was using a pre '80 truck 4-bolt so maybe that has slightly different mounts on it.

 

 

That looks pretty good. I think I will have to try that when I get the cover for myself. Did you have to get new bolts to hold it on, or were they long enough since you ground off the back tabs?

 

I used the bolts that came with the timing pointer. I also put loctite on everything for peace of mind.

 

I don't know about the 3 piece cover, but the 2 piece Comp cover has a timing pointer now.

 

They might have updated there designs then. Mine is 2 years old or so.

 

Yeah it's a revised design. According to the catalog the 3 piece cover still has no tab.

 

LOL, nice. Who needs a timing tab anyways...

 

Damn I had this same problem about 2 years ago, I ended up taking the regular cheepo bolt on tab and cutting about 1" out of it and welding it back together. It looks like hell and its probably not that accurate.

I guess I will be calling the local Comp rep to get me a tab.

 

That is a Jegs tab.......

 

I used an adjustable tab, snipped the "teeth" off the "comb", and drilled a couple of new holes to re-mount the pointer.