Timing Chain Cover

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by OZGS455, Dec 11, 2018.

  1. OZGS455

    OZGS455 Oh what a wonderful day!

    Looking at the Proform item 69510
    Anyone here used one.
    Looks to be the affordable option for an Aussie with exchange rates and freight the "ducks guts" TA item is up around 1K Aust.
    This I can get landed at my door for
    $453Aus plus Ill need a gasket set.
    Trying to get them to throw that in free.
    What do you guys think?

    I have a coolant weep only slight from the drivers left side of the engine where the case meets the block.
    Snake oil wont fix it.
    Considered removing the part cleaning it up and using JB Weld or similar to build u p where Im guessing theres corrosion.
    Thatd save me money but is it a good feasible way to repair?
     
  2. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    I have a proform on mine, the previous owner did the rebuild. So far so good no leaks or issues that I'm aware of? I have lower than wanted oil pressure but I think it is for other reasons. I'm going to do a pump rebuild and see if that helps. I already have a booster plate and adjustable pressure regulator. I suggest and do will many others if you don't already have those 2 things you might want to get them a aswel. On my new build I will bite the bullet and just order a complete assembled cover from TA. Just my 2cents hope it helps, cheers!!
     
  3. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    I have s proform on my racecar, finishline motorsports set it up with the motor, I have great oil pressure, but I have the scavenger setup as well.

    I would call bobb a have him set it all the clearance and everything at once, even you get it it will be bolt on and done

    616-765-5101.

    he can be very busy with the machine shop he owns and runs so it sometimes takes a few calls but it's worth being patient for
     
  4. OZGS455

    OZGS455 Oh what a wonderful day!

    Thanks Im Downunder, in Australia and looking at buying the part on ebay,
    The reciepts I got with the car show that the oil pumps has had the neccesary work done and I got good oil pressure.
     
  5. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Nos originals can be had for around $350,...a better option imo.

    But yes you can easily repair the one you have I've done it many times. Both by welding and surfacing and with JB
     
  6. OZGS455

    OZGS455 Oh what a wonderful day!

    Are they readily available to me Downunder though?
     
  7. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Buy it here and ship it there, I just shipped a rather large box thru USPS to somewhere in Australia for around $60
     
  8. OZGS455

    OZGS455 Oh what a wonderful day!

    I thinks its simpler as well a safer to just buy off ebay
    Thanks Anyway,
    So the Proform is a great product?
     
  9. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Sounds like your mind is made up,..and I wouldn't call it a "great product" the reason Bobb sells them is because he inspects them th here have been several guys have issues with them when just used as delivered
     
    ranger likes this.
  10. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    I agree with hugger I wouldn't call them great they are okay and mine is functioning with no leaks I may have gotten one of the good ones I have no idea where the previous owner sourced mine from or if anything was done to it? Like I said I am having oil pressure issues not sure if it's pump related or maybe bearing clearances. I will be doing a pump rebuild for reassurance and continue using it until my 70 block is finished which will wear a TA front cover. Bite the bullet and just do the TA cover and you won't have to have this discussion ever again LOL.
     
  11. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    keep in mind this is the lifeblood of your motor, it's the one thing that should be have corners cut.

    bobb does inspect every one he does, he has seen a few issues, not sure how many, when we talked he said it is a low number, but are a few.

    this is why I recommend just having one set up completely. if you dont know 100% how it set it up. it can cause alot of issues quickly
     
    1969RIVI likes this.
  12. Quick Buick

    Quick Buick Arlington Wa

    https://www.finishlinemotorsports.com. This is who Bens is talking about..

    I have what I think is a preform cover on mine.. Coolant leaks also.

    BTW thanks for putting up this post.
     
  13. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The most important consideration is the machining and tolerances in the oil pump pocket. Those effect oil pressure and pump efficiency. That will be the big question mark when ordering one. I would have one set up here and shipped over, that way, if something is wrong, it can be corrected here. I can tell you this, the TA cover is better machined (better quality control) than the Proform. I would fix the cover you have.

    http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/oil-pump-clearances-and-oil-pressure.326597/
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2018
  14. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Fix your existing cover
     
  15. OZGS455

    OZGS455 Oh what a wonderful day!


    Looks like Ive jumped the gun with my ebay purchase, by not waiting till I had all the facts.
    In my defence I did do searches here on 455 Timing Chain Cover and 455 Timing Case and nothing of value came up so I started this thread.
    My focus was on the coolant weep and not the oil pump setup, hmmm.

    Ive emailed the suppliers there to try to STOP despatch of the part, but according to ebay mail I saw upon waking this morning the part is on its way.
    This is one time Im hoping the supplier is slow to despatch.
     
  16. OZGS455

    OZGS455 Oh what a wonderful day!

    Nope. .just got a reply, its already shipped.
    I'll look at repairing my existing one.
     
  17. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    What I have done on SOME "NailHead" covers where around the coolant passages going into the block are corroded. I set the cover on a milling machine, you HAVE TO MAKE SURE IT'S SQUARE & FLAT, & just mill off material. It normally only takes .020"-.035" to lessen the pitting/corrosion to an acceptable surface for sealing. I've probably done this on at least a dozen covers with no problems so far. The 1st. cover was done about 10 yrs. ago & still in use today & the vehicle gets driven almost on a daily basis. You should check the clearance on the oil slinger, but usually it's got more than enough clearance. You can do the same thing to the water pump mounting surface to bring the sealing area closer to an acceptable sealing surface. Then put everything together & make sure the pulley's line up properly. IF they don't match up correctly ALL you have to do is take a piece of Sheetmetal of the approximate thickness & install it between the water pump snout & the pulley.
    How this helps.

    Tom T.
     
  18. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Cant do that on our front mounted distributor engines. Will cause all kinds of issues regarding the distributor and can gear
     
    OZGS455 likes this.
  19. OZGS455

    OZGS455 Oh what a wonderful day!

    That'll teach me for not waiting for the 'good oil' from those in the know.
     
  20. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    .020"-.030"?????
     

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