Jonathan Dyer

iTrader: (5)

My GMPP zz383 came with a composite timing cover. It looks like crap but the rest of the engine appears to be so high quality that I'm assuming that it is good enough and that GM didn't just skimp on this one piece.

Should I be concerned?

Also, I posted up a question a while back about Comp Cams 2 piece aluminum timing covers. I didn't get a great deal of response. One member felt that they were good for dyno mule test engines but might be leaky for a street car. Any thoughts/ experience with this?

Thanks,
Jon

Hog

Thta composite cover is the same 1 that comes on the 1996-2002 Vortec 305/350/4.3 production engines, and the ZZ383 and HT383 and HT 383E ZZ4 crate engines.
Check on the bottom of the plastic cover to see if there is a hole for a crank position sensor. The marine engines come with the plastic cover that doesnt have this hole. You might want to install and old Vortec 4.3/305/350 crabnk position sensor or some sort of blockoff plate to keep dirt out of there.
I cant remember in the auto crate engines have the hole or not.

I wouldnt go out of my way to install a metal timing cover. Its not like you can really see the timing cover in the car anyways.

I'd love to have that ZZ383 to drop into my 97 rcsb pickup.

peace
Hog

Jonathan Dyer

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't so much thinking about the looks as the quality. When reading after market descriptions of their timing covers they always boast about theirs not deflecting thereby eliminating unintentional cam walk etc. Anyway, if this is going to do the job I'm happy enough to leave it alone.
J

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Since factory roller engines have a retainer plate to prevent cam walk, I don't think you have to worry about cover flexing.

Hog

57Kid is right, with the factory setup, its a non issue. Only if you were you using an aftermarket cam button retainer could this be an issue.

peace
Hog

Jonathan Dyer

iTrader: (5)

Excellent! Less work for me and less money too!
Thanks,
Jon