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KLW View Drop Down
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Joined: Sep/02/2012
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KLW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Front Cover
    Posted: Aug/14/2022 at 11:46am
Hi Guys!
I am building a 401 that has a bad front cover. I've heard some are better than others because some wear out dizzy gears prematurely.

I'd like to hear which ones you guys have had success with.

Also, has anyone used the dorman one?

Thanks Guys!


Edited by KLW - Aug/16/2022 at 7:49pm
1981 Spirit
(420 cu in stroker - 570 hp)
1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rgsauger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/14/2022 at 11:52pm
About everyone on here is gonna tell you to find a good used oem one from a 304, 360, etc.  what’s wrong with your cover?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KLW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/15/2022 at 8:13am
It's wearing the dizzy gear and the motor only makes 30 lbs oil pressure.
I've heard the crown and the bull tear are good replacements.
1981 Spirit
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1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mramc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/15/2022 at 1:18pm
Crown is Chinese and has the usual 50% poor machining rate. Bull Tear has a JIG that is used to check the timing covers for correct machine tolerances. If you get a new cover you want to get it from Bull Tear. I know there a CHivy vendor out there trying to sell all the rejects that do not meet the correct specs. LRDaum  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Heavy 488 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/15/2022 at 1:24pm
Is it the original distributor gear or was there a swap involved?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KLW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/16/2022 at 7:44pm
Well, I was down to bulltear or Crown. I think if Bull Tear makes a non-nickel plated cover, that's where I'll go.

Thanks!
1981 Spirit
(420 cu in stroker - 570 hp)
1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible
(331 Cu In - 450 HP)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KLW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/16/2022 at 7:48pm
two originals in 5,000 miles or less. It's not my motor so I don't have all the details. My and a friend are going to be rebuilding it for the guy and we want a good cover so this doesn't happen again.

I have never had this happen with an original cover. So, being those are tough to come by, I was looking for a good replacement aftermarket one
1981 Spirit
(420 cu in stroker - 570 hp)
1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible
(331 Cu In - 450 HP)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BU1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/16/2022 at 7:56pm

 You said above that it is eating distributor gears?? Have you verified that the oil slot on the face of the cam gear is aligned properly? Most all new gears need the groove re worked. What do you see that is making you lay blame on the 2 original timing covers?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KLW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/16/2022 at 8:21pm
No, I only have the one front cover that is aftermarket.  I ate 2 oem dizzy gears.
Plus, I only get about 30 lbs of oil pressure at 4,000 rpms.
1981 Spirit
(420 cu in stroker - 570 hp)
1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible
(331 Cu In - 450 HP)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KLW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/16/2022 at 8:23pm
Yes, the slot seems to be right. Should I deepen it or is there some other fix for it?
1981 Spirit
(420 cu in stroker - 570 hp)
1966 Ford Fairlane Convertible
(331 Cu In - 450 HP)
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