I have a new TA high performance oil pump and timing cover assembly, ready to install, along with my new cam I have a few questions, and it is wayyyyy too early in the AM for me to call TA First- there is "007 GASK" stamped on the side of the timing cover. Do I require a special gasket?! Related question- should I use the long or short snout water pump? I have been using the long one, no issues. But that is with the stock timing cover. Second- when I installed my last cam (during rebuild 4 seasons ago, engine hasn't missed a beat ever since during daily (ab)use, 40K miles so far) I never even worried about valve spring rates during break in. The heads are bone stock 1973 455 heads. Will I have a problem breaking in my new cam with these stock valve springs? I didn't before But- I like to panic BEFORE I do these things and find out what will happen, rather than AFTER installation, when there is a problem with broken parts :Smarty:
.007 gskt refers to the thickness of gasket in the oil pump assembly to set the end play. Use the same water pump length you have always been using, it's the one that fits your pulleys. Timing cover is dimensionally the same as your old one. Should not be a problem breaking in the cam with old springs, actually it's kinda desireable. get some fresh stg 1 springs on it before you go pounding on it. JW
Thanks Jim! :TU: As it happens, I am waiting on Stage1 heads from TA with only one spring installed, but I have a new set of Stage 1 springs ready to go. i had wanted to run in the cam with the single spring and then swap out to my double springs, but the delay in getting the heads seems to be working in my favor- now I can put in my Stage 1 springs right away and not have to take the heads back off because I'll already have broken in the cam.
