[Entropy11]

Sorry- been through all the posts I could find using search and couldn’t find info on brands.

Long story short, doing a water pump install last night (‘72 400) and saw the timing cover looking very corroded and grungy. Poked around a little to see how bad it was and could easily put a screwdriver right through the cover.

I need a new cover and my options appear to be:

Allstar Performance ALL90019

JEGS 50318

Summit SUM-G630

Pioneer 500455

They’re listed Above in decreasing price starting at $165 and ending at $100. Reviews on sites are all over the place so really nothing to go off there. I already have a new ss divider plate, gaskets, tube seals, and new ss tubes if I need those too so the extra parts included with some of the covers don’t mean that much to me. Just curious if anyone has any input on any brand in particular.

Also, how about harmonic balancers? Nothing crazy going on with this engine HP wise so am I ok with a new $50 one or should I go for something better? I went with the Flowkooler WP through Butler for the pump.

Thank you for any input/insight.

[thepontiacman]

Why not get a factory timing cover in good condition.

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[DevoBuzz]

PowerBond balancers are decent for the price from what I heard.

[chrisp]

Pioneer 500455 is a excellent part & the fit is good.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by Entropy11

Allstar Performance ALL90019

JEGS 50318

Summit SUM-G630

Pioneer 500455

What are the odds that all of those are made in the same factory, but packaged in different boxes?

"I" would be looking for an OEM cover in decent condition.

[1968GTO421]

Originally Posted by thepontiacman

Why not get a factory timing cover in good condition.

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I've bought great quality used OEM stuff from a member on here named

Scott Thelander

That's the name he also posts under. Nice guy to deal with. You might want to check him out with a PM.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...r.php?u=151448

[wbnapier]

http://www.krepower.com/Pontiac%20Timing%20Covers.htm

Kaufman

[John Milner]

I’d use a good factory timing cover and factory harmonic balancer.

[Entropy11]

Thanks for the replies guys. Was thinking of finding an original in decent shape but I’m just skeptical of it already having some of its’ life expectancy already gone in areas that aren’t obvious. I’ll keep an eye open and follow the leads mentioned.

Interesting about about the Pioneer. All the reports I can find on that one say the fit is excellent and they find it to be of decent quality. Cheapest one of the bunch at the moment too. Thanks Chrisp for your input on that one.

Surprisingly removed the crank/balancer bolt tonight. Thought it would be much worse. But then again half the fasteners I’ve come across have been far from torque spec.

Thanks again!

[wbnapier]

FWIW... Paul Sandoval from Sandoval Performance recently published some Pontiac engine building books and recommended the Kaufman timing cover in them.

[Entropy11]

Originally Posted by wbnapier

http://www.krepower.com/Pontiac%20Timing%20Covers.htm

Kaufman

Originally Posted by wbnapier

FWIW... Paul Sandoval from Sandoval Performance recently published some Pontiac engine building books and recommended the Kaufman timing cover in them.

Thanks. I did read about that one too and forgot to list it. The reviews were all good on that one too. I appreciate your input.

[dataway]

The 11 bolt covers are still easy to find in good shape used ... unlike the 8 bolt pieces which command a much higher price in good shape.

Scott is also my go-to guy for OEM parts.