specially the chrome timing chain cover! LOL

The chrome ones were thicker/heavier allowing for a cam button.

Cam button??

On the recommended single bolt .484 cam?

I suggested the Summit cam because I have one on hand with matching springs. Summit says they should be used with 9.5 compression, but the 509 cam runs good at the low compression? lol This engine is going in a pickup I use to chase parts in. Just wanted to wake it up a little.

Stock ones are plenty thick enough to use with a nylon cam button on a roller. It's what I use.

I've seen the buttons leave a mark and remove metal from the stock steel covers, both on chrome and Mopar OEM covers
I think the key is how much camshaft end play do you have to the cover

I was joking about the timing cover just because won't add any power to the engine LOL... if its better for some specific setup, that's a diff deal

You're overlooking the 5lb weight savings of the $150 water pump housing, and it's significant contribution to the package Also, the solid core plug wires were important to mess up everyone's radio signal

Back in the day I skipped the fluff and did a slightly better fuel system instead, but not knowing what was out there I just went with the Carter 4594....

13.0 first time out, and that same day....12.94.

I will never forget that.

The old parts packages might not be relevant anymore, there are ways to do the same thing and be more street friendly, or spend more and get more, but they are....what they are. A place to start. Try it and see what you think.

Without a place to start and some kind of direction, it's all just a gearhead dream. The goal is to turn dreams into reality somehow.

Have a nice holiday all.