Is the 2-piece timing cover for the Olds 455 a good piece? Comes in handy when swapping a cam out while engine is in the car. Who makes a good 2-piece timing cover?

 

This mod is for the hard core racer that tests. If you don't plan on testing I would not bother with this mod IMO.

 

I had a two piece cover ready to go when Milan installed my roller cam years ago, he said for my application (street car) it was not necessary and would just be a potential leak.

I listened to him and didn't use it.

 

You could buy at https://shop.rocketracingshop.com/RO...-two-piece.htm
Have run for years no leaks.
Nice if you ever change cam no need to do the pan.

 

I have made my own by sawing across the stock cover and sealing with RTV. No leaks. I have done a lot of cam changes over the years, so it helps the process for me.

 

^^^THIS. If you really want to get fancy, spot weld a strap to the lower half along the joint on the inside. This helps keep the two halves aligned and provides a lip for the RTV to seal against.

 

So basically a cut, just below the cam sprocket? A RTV like Optimum Grey is very strong, should hold up quite well. I do have a few extra covers and do plan on the new Edelbrock heads which would require a more aggressive roller cam. Is a cam swap possible in car on a 70 Cutlass?

 

The cut usually goes across and splits either the upper bolt (of the 3/8" bolts below the water pump) hole or the dowel pin hole - I forget which.
Not sure on a '70, but a '72 there's enough space if you remove the radiator and condenser. I expect the void under the core support is about the same.

 

It is possible to remove the cam in the car on a 1970. That is what I am doing right now. You need to remove the radiator but you need to drain the coolant anyways so not really much "extra" work.

 

I figured there was room. No Condenser, just a rad and electric fans. I will take a look at the stock cover and Rocket Racing cuts their cover.

 

I will cut just above the dowels like on the Rocket Racing cover. The reverse rotation serpentine water pump gasket is unobtainable, so leaving it attached to the cover is a big bonus.