I know this may sound like a stupid question but I was wondering if you can change the plastic timing cover that comes on the Vortec 5.7l engines with a aftermarket aluminum cover or do you have to stick with the plastic covers for this engine?

 

You can use any timing cover you like.

 

thank you, that is what I thought but wanted to be 100% sure before I changed it from the plastic cover to something better. I didn't know if there would be sealing problems with any other cover or not

 

How 'bout one off a Chrysler 426 Hemi? LOL

Jake

 

The reluctor ring has to be removed as it wont fit behind a conventional cover. It slides off

Be aware the vortec balancer has .125" shaved off the rear for the reluctor ring thickness. Belt alignment will not be correct with this balancer and no reluctor. Use a conventional SBC unit

 

Thank you for that information I probably would have lefty it on and would be scratching my head when the cover didn't fit