Are the timing covers different for the 2 different styles of rear main seals? I'd like to get a 2-piece timing cover but can only find the cheap ones for older style blocks. I would think the older ones would work for all but the newer ones wouldn't work with a cam tab, etc? Trying to get everything for a new engine and want to make changing the cam easier down the road.

 

No, the RMS design doesn't affect the timing cover.

The issue that's different, is that AFAIK no aftermarket timing covers come with the welded-on tab for the 12:00 timing mark (typical of newer stock applications), they only work with bolt-on tabs for the 1:30 timing mark. They'll still fit, you just won't have a mark.

 

Thanks I think I can work around that minor problem then. I kinda figured it was something stupid like that.

 

My idiot self thought that when I needed to replace the composite one that came on the newer truck engines, I had to get a composite one to replace it. So only GM had it and I ordered one.....for $52! After I plugged the sensor hole, and drilled the other hole for a pipe plug, I found out any SBC timing cover will fit. Lesson learned.

 

some of the old 60's 70's covers have bolt on tab, uses two cover screws on 1:30 postion, had this on a 72 van 350 4 bolt engine, stock painted parts