Replacement Timing Chain Cover

You guys might have seen my troubles with the water pump bolts on my V6. Long story short, I believe I would rather just replace my timing chain cover while I’m this far into it.
My question - is the TA Performance cover (PN- TA1530) a direct replacement to the factory cover? Are there better options out there? Any reason to try to find an original?

And I know I’ll need to buy the timing indicator and distributor hold down for the TA Performance unit.

Thanks!

 

It's been awhile, but the later model Buick V6 covers have a metric oil filter interface. I think there was one other difference...somebody help me out here...

 

I believe the TA cover is the best route to go. There are cheaper covers out there but TAP will give you the straight scoop.
Form what I have seen, the timing marks are no longer cast in to the cover and will require a separate pointer for the
timing mark. Also, the front seal is external and not internal as before. A new oil pump would be a worthwhile investment
while everything is off. I believe there is an extra or missing hole in the repro covers that is of no consequence as far as I
know. I don't believe this is a later cover but a repro so have no idea on the metric threads. IMO, I would give TAP a call
and get the full lowdown from them. They may even set up your oil pump for the proper clearance. This is something you
don't want to get wrong. I have dealt with them and they know what you need. More money upfront or take your chances
and pay more for a damaged engine. No one wants that. Sorry for the long post but i have put in the research and for the
average backyard mechanic, this is the way to go. IMHO, John

Basically a blueprinted oil pump and cover for about $150 over doing it yourself.
https://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_1533

 

I believe there is a difference in the shape of the oil pan mating surface. The old Buick version cover has a straight area pattern, and the replacement covers have a pointed pattern that can accept a different shaped front of oil pan. I think either style oil pan can be used with the replacement covers.
-Donny

 

You reminded me that there may have been some differences with the angle of the oil filters on some applications.

 

ARP makes a bolt kit for the timing cover/water pump. I think from pictures on here before that TA sells the same cover that everyone else sells. I got mine from rock auto a long time ago and it fit great with zero issues

 

I wondered about this, but the TA website specifically says their covers are “…machined by TA Performance to better than OE standards…”

 

Thanks for all the info John!

Do you think the upgraded oil pump is necessary on our lower-rpm motors? I don’t mind spending the extra money for the right/best parts, if they’re needed…. (And I realize there’s no right or wrong answer here - only opinions)

 

I know TA makes their own engine parts for other engines like heads and intake manifolds so its possible they also make their own timing covers too. I doubt the quality difference is worth paying double the price for the TA cover

 

The one I used had a different oil filter angle. Had to use a smaller oil filter to miss the lower radiator hose.

 

I had the same experience - had to switch to the smaller oil filter in order to clear the lower radiator hose.

That said, in my estimation, the TAP cover and adjustable oil pump were worth the cost. Very high quality.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I called and spoke with TAP this morning. Very nice people. They actually told me that they didn’t see a major benefit to going with their performance oil pump, for my low-mileage engine. I was very impressed that they would give me such an honest opinion, rather than just trying to sell me a more expensive part.
I ordered the cover, timing indicator, dist hold-down, and gaskets. Out the door at $275.

 

The timing cover I listed includes the oil pump and extra machine work to take the guess work out of the equation as the pump
wears and interfaces with the cover. Thinking that shot gunning the whole thing including the timing gear and chain while in there
though and not knowing the condition of this engine would not want to do it twice or damage the engine. Just My opinion.
I imagine all the covers are cast in the same place. Rockauto shows an ATP and Pioneer brand of which both are not available. I have seen
negative reviews on some of these covers. The difference is that TAP makes sure they are correct before sending them out. The price seems real
reasonable from what I have seen. Glad you had a good experience with TA Performance.

 

Oh - I definitely considered a new oil pump, timing set, clean and paint everything with the original color, all the things. But then I realized that this project has already crept way out of its original scope and if I didn’t stop myself, I’d be pulling the entire engine…

In other news, I figured out why I couldn’t get the distributor hold-down to tighten up. This made me feel much better about going ahead and installing a new cover.

 

I feel you on that. For the distributor bolt, consider a stud with some blue locktite. Saves wear and tear on the already soft threads.
The stud I used had a hex in one end for tightening. Not sure where I purchased it.

 

Last question (maybe) - when I swap the oil pump over to the new cover, is it a straight bolt-on deal? Or do I need to pack it with vaseline to prime it?

 

ALWAYS pack the oil pump with petroleum jelly / Vaseline on first start!
Think about where it's located. It's not submerged in the pan so it cannot self-prime.

 

You will also need to set up the pump for the correct end play/clearance between the pump gear, plate and housing.
This is done with a gasket of the proper thickness and a dial indicator. TAP is the only source I have seen for the gaskets.
Hopefully the varied thickness gaskets will be included with your new cover for ease of setup.
When I first got mine running, the gasket got a small spit in an area where the gasket is is very narrow in width. Ended
up replacing gasket. I have heard good reasons for not using petroleum jelly in the pump but plenty of people have done
it. The TAP cover/pump combo says it is prepacked, so I guess it is good. I understand you got the cover only. In my
case, I made an air over oil pre-oiler from a used small propane bottle with about 20-25psi of air. Others have used a
garden style sprayer and attached to the oil pressure outlet port.

 

Just wanted to add. I made an oil pump driver from a piece of aluminum tubing that slipped over the pump drive shaft. A piece of
steel round stock ground to fit the pump drive and a 1/2" drill running clockwise and I had a pump driver. The tubing could also be
made of copper and keeps the driven shaft located in the slot of the shaft. I could then watch the oil pressure gauge with a mirror
in the front seat and with the valve covers off, was able to oil to the rockers. Before the initial new startup/break-in, I put a flood
light under the oil pan overnight to pre-warm the oil. Did I mention that I am somewhat anal.

 

There were different oil pump covers/housings with different angles.
I suppose you could swap one out if it were that critical.
The later oil filter adapter threads were metric thread as well. and marked as such.