I need to install a thrust button and I suppose use a stronger timing cover. Question is, will a stock cover be adequate? if not what are my options for a cover? Ide rather not use a cast cover that requires me to space the water pump housing because it will complicate the pulley alignment. Is there a billet sheetmetal cover that would work?

Thank guys

weld in a steel spacer in the stock cover for the
proper spacing for the cam

My billet covers fit under a stock water pump. I also make a matching thrust button. The cover is AR224, the button is AR281. Hughes Engines has them in stock.

I used a 440 Source alum timing cover and a cam button. The stock cover will work if you reinforce it.

Both Muscle Motors and Promax sell a NICE cast cover that fits under the stock pump (take my word, I just installed it). I used a roller button but did the following to make it fit with .001" clearance:

1) remove the .030 washers
2) use an .047 timing cover gasket (aftermarket)
3) put a .010 shim behind the button (cut a piece of feeler gauge to fit)

Also, you will have to cut the lip off the oil slinger or it will gouge the cover. Without the thick gasket you may not be able to use the slinger at all.

I kept the clearance tight because I used a roller button. If you use a solid nylon button you might want to open that up a bit. Avaid aluminum buttons like the plague, they WILL gall and spit bits into your motor.

Now then, If you're interested I also have an unused 440Source cover for sale!

For those wanting to use a stock cover, here's the simple solution...

Install the timing cover with gasket. Mix up some epoxy or use construction adhesive and stick a good wad in a piece of saran wrap and fold the saran to contain the goo. Install the water pump with gaskets with the wad of goo between the pump and cover. Let it set till hard. Remove everything and install your cam button and timing cover with gaskets. Check the clearance and adjust by shimming behind the button with pieces of feeler gauge (do your best not to deflect the cover). Once you have the desired clearance, permanently attach the cover. Take the wrap off the solidified goo and with a THIN FILM of the same stuff secure it to either the cover or the water pump in roughly the same spot the cam button is. Permanently attach your water pump.

A few shots of the cast cover. It's machined smooth on the inside where the button goes. The cover is also thick enough that I could drill and tap a hole so I could stick a dial indicator on the top sprocket and measure the endplay.

'nother one

last one

I include a set up plate with my billet timing covers. The setup plate has a slot in it for a dial indicator. Once the end play adjustment is set, then the setup plate is removed and the cover plate is installed.

Hey, you stole my idea

Thanks for all the help guys. I am losing my mind though. I forgot I did this on my other engine a long time ago and used the AR billet cover. Wow, time to eat some brain food.

I was kind of wondering about that!