I know when I did my Big Block I did not have to pull the pan. I just had to trim the gaskets to install the timing cover gasket and the front half of the pan gasket.

 

No you dont need to pull the pan,you just loosen 2-3 of the pan bolts on each side of the oil pan closest to the timing cover to let the pan pull away from the block just a little.

But because you did not pull the pan you have to grind off some of the lip from the edge of the INNER METAL LIP (on both side of the t/cover)where the thick rubber pan seal seats. You need to grind off a little more than a 1/4 inch of the upper portion of the inner lip on both sides of the t/cover so it will go back on without removing the pan.

But just before you install the t/cover ensure to use some brakleen or carb cleaner to clean any oil off the oil pan lip and also on the t/cover where the thick rubber seal seats. Then use some good quality silicone sealer thats stated as good for sealing oil and apply it to the complete area where the t/cover seals to the front of the oil pan or YOU WILL HAVE A LEAK/S. Also make sure to degrease then apply/force some sealer into the front area of the oil pan to block seal where you loosened the 2-3 bolts too. It's very importat to get this part right or you will have a nagging oil leak any time the motor is running which could be a small as an occassional drip to a major leak depending on how good or poorly the t/cover was installed & sealed.

Make sure to not start the motor for at least 24hrs after the t/cover is installed to ensure the silicone sealer is completely dry or that can get you into trouble with leaks too even if you installed & sealed it correctly so have the patience to wait to fire it up.

I have change approx 20-25 cams in SBC's over the yrs using this method with no problems.

It's hard to expalin just where you need to grind the cover so i would look for an older mechanic in the area thats changed many a SBC cams in the past with the oil pan on & the motor still in the car. This is so you could bring the timing cover to him so he can grind off the correct spot or show you where to gring it off so you dont trash the cover.

You could also post here for a T/C memeber in your area that knows this trick and could show you where to grind the cover.

Scott

 

I agree with Sweaton. Very good detailed advice. I just took some wire cutters and sniped the edges off the cover until it fit back in. I also loosened a few oil pan bolts to drop it down a bit. Drain the oil first. You didn't mention anything about lifters. I hope you are planning on putting new ones in with the cam. Good idea.

 

Good advice. I replaced my t/cover on my 327 and had no problems. Just make sure you CLEAN the surfaces before putting silicone on.

 

Thanks everyone,
I did get a set of new lifters. I will look closely at the bottom edge of the timing chain cover and see if I can identify exactly which areas need trimmed and make a decision based on that.
Brian