Reverse rotation question

[66gt350]

I'm getting tired of dealing with my v-belts. I'm thinking of swapping over to serpentine. I already have an edelbrock hi-flow water pump, and all the brackets from my '89 gt donor car. I can't recall...but does the timing chain cover have to be swapped out for the newer one? Or do I just keep running my existing TC cover? IIRC, I think that I read/heard somewhere that the water passages were shaped differently and caused issued...or I could just be smokin' crack. If I have to use the newer TC cover, what is everyone doing for the oil dipstick?

-rob

 

[68EFIvert]

The timing covers do have a differnt angle that leads to the water port for the block. The location of the ports do not differ but one angles from about a 10 o'clock angle and the other about 8'oclock (passenger side). The drivers side has a similiar difference (2 vs 4 o'clock). Would it be enough to cause flow problems, I don't think so but I am not sure. I am usine a Fox timing cover and simply used a long 3/8" drill bit to drill the dip stick hole in the cover. There is a flat spot on the cover where the hole goes. Pretty easy to do and may be a better way to go than using a standard rotation cover and finding out the passage differnece do cause a problem.

 

[AzPete]

I have heard both will work but have no experience. As for the dipstick, you can drill a hole for the tube. Just measure and use the proper size bit.

 

[66gt350]

Thanks guys. That's what I was thinking -- but secretly wishing that i was wrong. I'm just having a heck of a time with the v-belts, and I've almost hit the limit on the frustration meter and put on some stock brackets until I get to order some nice shiney March brackets (already have a set of BBK serpentine under-drive pulleys).

-rob

 

[66gt350]

OK...Now I think that I'm confused even more (if that's possible). I went to check out how the serpentine brackets fit. I grabbed the brackets and tc cover and went over to the 351W block that I have in the garage. I know, I know not the same but close enough for what I needed. I looked at the '69 tc cover and looked at the tc cover that was on the 5.0 motor originally, and the water passenges look the same.

I notice that the 5.0 tc cover has a part number starting E3...is this the correct tc cover? did they have serpentine belts in '83? The donor car was an '89 GT.

This whole belt thing is gonna turn me into a raving alcoholic before I'm done!!!

 

[daveSanborn]

The timing cover that you're attempting to use will work just fine.

 

[66gt350]

thanks Dave. I thought I heard some time back that the tc were different for standard and reverse rotation. I guess that I really shouldn't rely on my memory, since I've been clinically diagnosed with CRS syndrome.

Now that issue is solved...onto the next -- timing pointer and longer waterpump bolts. On the tc that I'm using, where the 5.0 timing indicator bolt to is thinner than the newer tc covers, so I need to get some spacers. Also, needed a new balancer, since I'm running the old 28 oz balance. This hasn't been as straight forward as I was hoping.

 

[daveSanborn]

I thought I heard some time back that the tc were different....

You are correct. There is a slight difference with the two water ports as mentioned in another response, but the difference is not enough to have a measurable effect on your coolant flow.

 

[AtlantaSteve]

well that worries me, Dave. I had some crazy cooling issues that finally went away when a matching pump and TC were installed. Until then, keeping the car cool was near impossible.

Now I'm worried the problem wasn't really licked, and is just waiting to bite me again. We'll find out soon...I've decided to throw some effort into getting the car to start, just cause it's something I can do until I get my front end parts all assembled and ready for install.

 

[66gt350]

Well, after looking at the timing pointer issue, I figured that it would be easier to just yank the tc cover and replace it with the one from the '89 gt. I got it cleaned up tonight and the paint is drying. Hopefully tomorrow it will go on along with the March brackets. I'll try and get some pics when I'm done.

-rob

 

[johnpro]

Well, after looking at the timing pointer issue, I figured that it would be easier to just yank the tc cover and replace it with the one from the '89 gt. I got it cleaned up tonight and the paint is drying. Hopefully tomorrow it will go on along with the March brackets. I'll try and get some pics when I'm done.

-rob

Rob, you're going to need one of the conversion dampners. You'll never get the pullies to line up if you are trying to use the pullies off of a '69/prior setup. The conversion dampners can be set up as 4 bolt dampners withe '70/later spacing, or as a 3 bolt with the '69/prior spacing.

I feel your pain, though. I went through this putting the '70/later style stuff on Scary's 408. I really got myself into a pickle in the process, as I never knew that the '70 351w PS bracket was more rare than hen's teeth. I searched for one for over a year, and amassed quite the collection of '69 351w brackets and 302 brackets, buying every one that the idiot claimed was from a '70 351w. This was a year or 2 before March came out with an over the counter solution.

 

[66gt350]

John, I bit the bullet and yanked off the timing cover replaced it with the one from the '89 along with the water pump. Luckily, there a shop here in Redding that rebuilds dampners, and they had a conversion dampner on the shelf. Now, I'm dealing with getting the lower radiator hose from the driver's side over to the passenger side, and re-routing the upper radiator hose.

I think Mongo need tequila.

 

[johnpro]

Now, I'm dealing with getting the lower radiator hose from the driver's side over to the passenger side, and re-routing the upper radiator hose.

Use the radiator that I'm using in Scary, then just buy hoses for a '70. It's a fantastic radiator for under $200. It's the Summit brand one. It will work great in your car since you've arleady move the battery to the trunk and don't need a transmission cooler.

 

[daveSanborn]

How are your welding skills?

When I first installed my EFI motor in my '66 I was using the standard reverse rotation water pump/serp. system..... and a somewhat stock style downflow radiator. With this setup I used a Ron Morris lower hose kit.

Later I switched to a crossflow radiator and eliminated the need for the Ron Morris lower hose kit.

It's sitting on a shelf in my shop gathering dust and I'd gladly donate it to get your project that much further along.

However, there's somewhat "bad" news. When I was using the kit it didn't quite fit the aftermarket downflow radiator I was using and I had to cut the pipe. I still have both pieces of the pipe and they could either be welded back together or coupled with a short section of hose and clamps.

If you're interested let me know and I'll box it up and get it out to you.

 

[66gt350]

Dave, I've always said there's two types of welders in this world: the first type can lay down the perfect weld the first time, and the second lays down something that looks like a giant turkey flew over and crapped on the metal, but this type of welder can grind down any weld and make it look perfect. I'm definately the second type, I'm dangerous with a welder :lol

Kewl, Ya I'm interested in your Ron Morris lower hose. I'll send ya a PM.

 

[guruatbol]

Dave, I've always said there's two types of welders in this world: the first type can lay down the perfect weld the first time, and the second lays down something that looks like a giant turkey flew over and crapped on the metal, but this type of welder can grind down any weld and make it look perfect. I'm definately the second type, I'm dangerous with a welder :lol

Kewl, Ya I'm interested in your Ron Morris lower hose. I'll send ya a PM.

:lol I am such a good grinder!!!!! :lol :lol :lol

Mel