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The seal will wear a groove in the sleeve, yes, but as the seal itself wears out and loses its grip on the sleeve and/or damper snout, it will start leaking oil before it ever gets a chance to cut through the metal.My only concern with the sleeve is if it'll groove a dampener hub you would think it would do the same to the sleeve or possibly eventually cut the sleeve in half since the seal fits tight enough on the OD of a stock dampener to groove it.
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.
I'm not a fan of the plastic timing chain cover (one time use). I found Holley makes one that is aluminum, has the crankshaft sensor provision, and uses a regular timing chain cover gasket. Holley p/n 21-153 (Black) or 21-152 (Natural).
It looks like those are only for the 96+ Vortecs or 55-88. Any ideas on the best option for a metal cover for a 95 5.7 TBI ?
Summit, Jegs, or any other speed-shop will have a dozen or more options. One-piece covers, two-piece covers, covers with removable plates for accessing the camshaft...there's no limit to the variety offered. Some will be quality items, most will be Communist Crap.Any ideas on the best option for a metal cover for a 95 5.7 TBI ?
Or for that matter - is it really important to replace the cover rather than keep the stock cover with Timing indicator and just replace the seals and gasket?
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.