Using a Tri-power with a non-dimpled timing cover
 

The reason for this thread is just for reference for other people that may find themselves in this situation at some point.

Recently, I was going to install a tri-power set-up on my 66 Goat, that has a non-dimpled timing cover. The dimple is there to clear the thermostat housing that is mounted on the front of the tri-power intake.
Most people faced with this dilemma just source the correct timing cover, which is fine, but I wanted to avoid going thru the hassle of changing it out.
I've seen some old threads on ways around the problem, with some having success in grinding the water neck and or the timing cover, but since I have a new KRE cover, I wanted to avoid modifying it.

My plan was to purchase a new aluminum reproduction 65 or 66 water neck, and cut and weld it to clear my timing cover. However, the parts are no longer produced, and i had no luck finding a used one. Two members, (chrisp and tom.s), suggested the 1962 super duty water neck that is still reproduced in aluminum. This neck has more of a curve than the 66 neck, but worked out just fine.


First, I cut the neck at the solid line:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1382409198

Then simply inverted the cut-off piece and had it heli-arc welded back on:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1382409283
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1382409406

After applying some epoxy to fill-in some voids and grinding smooth, and painting:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1382409449

After installation, about 1/8" clearance between neck and rear waterpump bolt boss:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1382409757

larger view

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1382410178

Yeah, I know its a 65 intake on a 66 Goat, but it came with the car when I bought it 30 years ago,

Nice work.

Great solution.

That looks great.

great idea! turned out nice.
think i'll do this next time i have mine apart. then i can use my kre timing cover.

I have done the same thing on mine, using a 66 Tri-Power with a later non-dimpled timing cover. One thing I did different was that I cut off the bend in the 62 Water Neck and this lets me use the 66 upper radiator hose. I did it several years ago and it has been working great ever since.

I reused my same 66 4bbl upper hose. Just turned it around backward, (swapped ends), and cut two inches off the motor side.
I don't claim this idea as my own, I'm sure it has been done by many. The reason for posting this was because there were no threads in the archives with pictures on how it is done. The question about tri-power and timing covers comes up a couple times a year, so maybe if someone uses the search function, (not likely lol), they will find this.

Nice job .

You would think some one would repop them that way since more non dimpled timing covers ar around.

I picked up an aluminum one to use for the M/T cross ram and do the same. It barely hits so I think adding some weld on the inside and I can grind til it clears.

Yes, I think they would sell a quite a few 65 and 66 necks that way.
In retrospect, KRE should have made their excellent timing cover with the dimple, it could be used in any application

According to this, the KRE guys have a new Tri-power Timing cover (with dimple) for the 64-68 8 bolt water pump engines :

http://www.tinindianperformance.com/...ng%20cover.htm

Tom Vaught

A late model 11 bolt cover with a dimple I think more folks seem to be trying tripowers or later model water pump options.

I think this should be archived in Tri power. If not already.

It is good information.


Greg

Unfortunately the 1964-68 KRE cover (with dimple) carries the 1968 and later scale timing marks for the 1968 and later damper.
This will make it hard or near impossible to match the brackets for alternator and power steering pump for proper alignment with the 1964-67 original pulleys.
This cover is a direct replacement for the one-year only 1968 timing covers.

I was referring to the this modification.

Thanks

I wish I had pics of the Non Dimple 69-later Aluminum Timing Cover that I had modified and added the dimple to the cover. New part and excellent Tig Welder did the work for me.
The Gooseneck Mod is propably less work.

Tom V.

Thank you Singleton for posting this many years ago. I am making my attempt at this modification for a 65 set up. As Joel Koontz did, I am planning to use mine with the bend cut off. My problem is that the 65 upper tri power radiator hose seems too small for this water neck, even the original end that was cut off. I have filed it down a bit to get the hose started but don't want to get too thin on the aluminum. As it is, there is probably not enough hose on the neck to get a good seal.

Did the 62 super duty use a larger diameter upper radiator hose? Any suggestions on how to remedy this problem?

I did something similar many years ago but used the cast iron housing. I cut it and created a patch out of sheet metal and brazed it back together. Worked fine as long as I owned the car.

Can’t remember, but I believe I just forced the hose over the larger neck, maybe used some grease

Just now seeing this thread. Great solution to a problem Singleton.