I did a very nice street build on a Vortec block without doing enough research. Now I'm in kind of a bind. The timing cover has a unique bolt pattern which keeps me from using my nice polished cover. I'm using a HEI distributor and TPI set-up. I don't mind using the Vortec cover but its got provisions for a crank position sensor which I don't need. Can I plug that hole? How? I imagine it's under a fair amount of crank case pressure. I currently don't have a sensor to put there. Might have to buy one just to plug the hole properly. Let me know your thoughts.

 

Are you sure the polish timing cover won't fit? I have installed them on my friends vortec swap I'm also doin a vortec swap in my Camaro I just kept the stock cover and found an old Crank señor and installed or if u can find a plug to plug the hole just make sure u have a holder to hold the plug in place

 

The polished timing cover is a different bolt pattern than the new Vortec design. But I'm thinking that I could redrill the polished cover to fit the Vortec block. Just not sure the crank seal in the cover is the same diameter.

 

new timing cover is about $20 with the holes intact.

Might be able to epoxy it over. But if you dont care how it looks, like mentioned earlier, an old junkyard sensor might work just fine.

 

Is it a NPT thread? Can you go to home depot and get a plug from the plumbing section?

 

Strip the paint off the vortec block cover, have it gold anodized at a local shop.

Then get some 12" spinner rims and fat rubber, and make yourself a gen 3 hoopty. Hee hee.

Seriously, a nice shiney cover is only $20-$40. Could probably get the one refinished even for about the same or less.