when installing a camshaft is there a way to remove the timing cover without dropping the oil pan? can it be replaced without it leaking?

 

If you work at it, you should be able to slide it up enough to get it out without distorting it too much. Trim the ends of the lip on the back before you put it back on. Use lots of silicone in the corners to keep it from leaking if you do.

 

which lip at the top?

 

On the back of the cover there's a lip at the bottom that the oil pan front seal fits into. If you trim the corners of it off then you'll be able to put the cover straight onto the cover without sliding the oil pan into it. You'll see what I mean when you take the cover off.

 

Actually, here's a picture...

<img src="http://sporttruck.com/howto/p9198_image_large.jpg">

 

I looked at a timing cover tonight, so I trim the Whole lip off? And then slide it between the front oil pan gasket and the block?

 

Not the whole lip, you still need to hold the oil pan seal in place. It's one of those things that's easier to do than it is to explain.

 

wish I had a closer pic of that. I'd hate to trim off the wrong stuff.

 

Try test fitting it with no seals in it before you actually do it, and then you'll see where it needs to be trimmed.

 

does the seal come out with it?

 

The crankshaft seal is pressed into the cover. I don't remember if the oil pan front seal normally comes out with the cover or not, I always pull the pan.

 

how hard is it to pull the pan? I have a one piece oil pan gasket, but I don't feel like lifting the motor and doing all that fun stuff, especially since I'll be doing this on the street.

 

Ok then, you don't actually have to remove the whole pan, just lower it a bit. If you've got a one piece gasket you should be able to get it to seal up again just fine afterwards.

 

are the stock gaskets rubber or cork?

 

Cork along the rails and viton at the front and rear, IIRC.

 

that would be a pita to scrape

 

I could be wrong. Who knows if yours are still stock even.