'96+ Vortec 5.7L Timing Cover + Valve Cover Gasket Recommendations?

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df2x4

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So I had my '97 K1500 Suburban 5.7L/4L60E in the shop recently for an oil change. While it was in there I had my mechanic check out a couple of small engine oil leaks and the conclusion is that one of them is coming from the timing cover, and the other from one of the valve cover gaskets. All of the above are original equipment with about 150K miles on them. It's not leaking bad enough to bother me right now, but the next time it goes in for something I'd like to have the parts ready to go. Here's the list I've got picked out, all ACDelco stuff.

Timing Cover - ACDelco 93800970
https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-p...hbi1rMTUwMCZ5PTE5OTcmdD1sdCZlPTUtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

Timing Cover Front Seal - ACDelco 10228655
https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-p...hbi1rMTUwMCZ5PTE5OTcmdD1sdCZlPTUtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

Valve Cover Gaskets (X2) - ACDelco 10046089
https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-p...hbi1rMTUwMCZ5PTE5OTcmdD1sdCZlPTUtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

My gut instinct is usually to stick to OEM ACDelco stuff when possible, but if there's anything that's a common knowledge upgrade (like the Fel-Pro Vortec intake manifold gaskets) I'd love to hear about it. If anyone has any recommendations please post them up.
 

df2x4

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time for an ls swap.

:lol: I don't have the money for another 4L80E swap right now, and I would definitely need it about 0.5 seconds after the LS swap.

Still gotta get an LQ4 and a five lug 14 bolt in the red truck! Priorities!
 
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AcDelco or Felpro are the picks of the litter for GM stuff
*Also try rock auto for all you acdelco and felpro stuff, prices are usually the cheapest even with shipping but when I went through my l31 vortec I couldn't find and reputable brand name timing covers.
 

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Theoretically, the plastic timing cover is a "disposable, one-use" product.

If it were me, I'd buy a reputable front seal, install it in the existing plastic timing cover, put a thin skim of The Right Stuff on the existing elastomer "gasket" and bolt it all back together. While you're in there, be sure to inspect the timing chain 'n' sprockets. You'll likely replace the timing set.

If you buy a new plastic front cover, the seal should be included. No need to buy it separately.

Don't forget that you may need a new oil pan gasket as well, depending on what gasket is in there already, and what condition it's in.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-os34500r/applications/make/chevrolet?prefilter=1

You will almost certainly need a damper-hub repair sleeve. The existing damper will have a groove cut into it from the seal lip. I've used Timken and Fel-Pro repair sleeves recently. Both work fine. I'm sure there are other brands as well.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tmk-88176

I would prefer Fel-Pro blue valve cover gaskets. $15/pair instead of $22 each.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/FEL-VS50088R
 

df2x4

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Theoretically, the plastic timing cover is a "disposable, one-use" product.

If it were me, I'd buy a reputable front seal, install it in the existing plastic timing cover, put a thin skim of The Right Stuff on the existing elastomer "gasket" and bolt it all back together. While you're in there, be sure to inspect the timing chain 'n' sprockets. You'll likely replace the timing set.

If you buy a new plastic front cover, the seal should be included. No need to buy it separately.

Don't forget that you may need a new oil pan gasket as well, depending on what gasket is in there already, and what condition it's in.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-os34500r/applications/make/chevrolet?prefilter=1

You will almost certainly need a damper-hub repair sleeve. The existing damper will have a groove cut into it from the seal lip. I've used Timken and Fel-Pro repair sleeves recently. Both work fine. I'm sure there are other brands as well.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tmk-88176

I would prefer Fel-Pro blue valve cover gaskets. $15/pair instead of $22 each.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/FEL-VS50088R

Thanks for the response! I knew that the timing cover was a one time use deal. I did not know that they're supposed to come with a front seal though, that'll save me a couple bucks. Also thanks for the heads up about the grooves from the front seal in the balancer, I never would have thought of that! Quick question regarding that, would it be a better fix to just buy a new balancer? I don't mind dropping some cash if it's necessary.

One more question regarding what you said about the timing set, do you really think it'll be in need of replacement? Like I mentioned the truck only has about 150K on it, and I've never actually seen or heard of a SBC timing set failing. Although I'm no mechanic, admittedly. It runs great though.

EDIT - Forgot to mention that the oil pan gasket is basically a brand new ACDelco. Had that changed about a year ago due to a different small oil leak. I try to maintain my trucks (at least mechanically) pretty meticulously.
 
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Schurkey

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would it be a better fix to just buy a new balancer? I don't mind dropping some cash if it's necessary.
"I" put repair sleeves on dampers unless there's some reason to scrap it. If the damper shows signs of damage OTHER than the groove worn in the hub, sure, get another one.

do you really think it'll be in need of replacement? Like I mentioned the truck only has about 150K on it, and I've never actually seen or heard of a SBC timing set failing.
Not a matter of "failing", it's a matter of how much slop the thing has. Thousands of years ago, SBC timing sets--or any make's timing sets--were high-wear items.

Things seem to be better now. Which doesn't mean you shouldn't examine it, and then make a decision about it's re-use given that the thing is wide-open at this point with little additional labor.

EDIT - Forgot to mention that the oil pan gasket is basically a brand new ACDelco.
Again, if the thing is good, there's no reason to change it. If it's in poor condition, it goes.
 

df2x4

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"I" put repair sleeves on dampers unless there's some reason to scrap it. If the damper shows signs of damage OTHER than the groove worn in the hub, sure, get another one.


Not a matter of "failing", it's a matter of how much slop the thing has. Thousands of years ago, SBC timing sets--or any make's timing sets--were high-wear items.

Things seem to be better now. Which doesn't mean you shouldn't examine it, and then make a decision about it's re-use given that the thing is wide-open at this point with little additional labor.


Again, if the thing is good, there's no reason to change it. If it's in poor condition, it goes.

Gotcha. Thanks again for the info! I'm sure once my mechanic gets in there he'll let me know if there's any apparent issues with the timing set, or anything else for that matter. He's a good guy and very knowledgeable. I'll mention it, though.

Also sounds good in regards to the repair sleeve, I'll pick one of those up when I make the parts order. Appreciate your input!
 

df2x4

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You will almost certainly need a damper-hub repair sleeve. The existing damper will have a groove cut into it from the seal lip. I've used Timken and Fel-Pro repair sleeves recently. Both work fine. I'm sure there are other brands as well.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tmk-88176

One more quick question, is that Timken 88176 that you linked the correct part number for a '97 5.7L? Summit's application guide is giving me two different Timken options. That 88176 from your link, and an 88199. Can't really find any definitive info, just want to make sure I get the right one. Rock Auto lists an 88176 but it's from a different company, National.
 

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is that Timken 88176 that you linked the correct part number for a '97 5.7L?
I used one on a Vortec 5.7, I think it was a '98.

Should be the same part.

Summit's application guide is giving me two different Timken options. That 88176 from your link, and an 88199. Can't really find any definitive info, just want to make sure I get the right one. Rock Auto lists an 88176 but it's from a different company, National.
There could be more than one "right" part.
 
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