NOS Front Cover with Rope Seal?

[Just a Six?]

I just got my NOS front cover yesterday & it has the factory installed rope seal gasket.
The factory did a real nice job installing it & altho I have new Neoprene seals, I am hesitant to remove the rope seal without a good reason. It does have a sort of factory wax applied to it so it's not brittle.
Should I replace it or leave it alone?

[Steve Wood]

if you like drips..keep it..otherwise pop it out and use neoprene...

[Just a Six?]

Ok I'll pop it out & throw in on of the Neoprene ones I have.
This cover sure has a lot of sharp edges on it & needs some light dremmel work. The gear pockets look almost chrome like from the factory finish!
Now to measure everything to compare to my 3 spare covers that are all used.
I'm curious how close or worn the tolerences are on them.

[SuperSix]

I just bought an NOS front cover - Earl informed me mine's a Chinese copy. I don't want to scrimp on the part that oils everything else.

I will port and prep per Earl's instructions, blueprint the oil pump with Steve's instructions, and install the KB booster plate as well. Oil pressure shouldn't be an issue.

[gordyzx9r]

Where are you getting the neoprene seals from?

[Just a Six?]

Where are you getting the neoprene seals from?

Any parts house or a vendor.

[SuperSix]

Anywhere, basically. Autozone, etc.
http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,6,partnum,TCS45930,d,fel-pro_TCS45930.html
http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,13,partnum,710162,d,National_710162.html

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Felpro-Timing-Cover-Gasket/1987-Buick-Regal/_/N-iidqmZ8znn8?counter=1&itemIdentifier=580451_0_9266_

[Just a Six?]

Notice the cam sensor prices at Rock Auto lately? $300+ Wow!

[SuperSix]

Notice the cam sensor prices at Rock Auto lately? $300+ Wow!

Hmm.. I hadn't./ maybe I should get a spare from TB.com if those guys are selling them still. I think they were selling a Standard part that had a GM PN on it or something

[Just a Six?]

That was a couple years back when I grabbed 3 for about $75 each shipped I think? Lowest I ever saw was $50 each. Now they are long gone unless there are a few guys with some stashed but I doubt the $100 prices will be seen again.

[SuperSix]

I remember YEARS ago they were selling for $300.00.

The ebb and flow on parts pricing is entertaining.

[Charlief1]

I've got one that I won't be using but I can't find the damn thing. After all, mine uses a distributor so I don't have a use for it. If I find it one of you can get it from me.

[Just a Six?]

The reason I mentioned the cam sensor is that a local here needs one so I gave him one to use for the rest of summer. If one does pop up he will be looking.

[earlbrown]

Knock that metal ring out to remove the seal. Dremel down the three tits that staked the ring in and install the neoprene seal.
  Don't forget to put some jizz on the rubber to keep it from burning up. (that also applies to the new front seal as well)

I will port and prep per Earl's instructions, blueprint the oil pump with Steve's instructions, and install the KB booster plate as well. Oil pressure shouldn't be an issue.

You can't follow Earl's instructions AND use that POS booster plate......

[Charlief1]

Knock that metal ring out to remove the seal. Dremel down the three tits that staked the ring in and install the neoprene seal.
  Don't forget to put some jizz on the rubber to keep it from burning up. (that also applies to the new front seal as well)

I will port and prep per Earl's instructions, blueprint the oil pump with Steve's instructions, and install the KB booster plate as well. Oil pressure shouldn't be an issue.

You can't follow Earl's instructions AND use that POS booster plate......

He does exist!