Timing Chain Cover Replacement
Short answer: 1968-and-earlier engines use an 8-bolt water pump and matching timing cover; 1969-and-later use an 11-bolt pump (two versions) and an 11-bolt cover (#482893 or 9796345). All Pontiac V8 timing covers physically fit all Pontiac V8s.
- To convert to the later 11-bolt cover, you must also use an 11-bolt pump and matching pulleys — easiest is a 1970-or-later pump with 1970+ pulleys and brackets so the belts line up.
- Or just find a 1968 cover (#9790346); the 1967 is different (#978129), differing mainly in the timing-marker location/appearance.
- Sources include Frank’s Pontiac Parts (Ramona, CA) for clean used covers, and Jim Butler Pontiac (jbp-pontiac.com) for good pricing (new covers run ~$125+). Don’t file a pitted cover down — the pulleys won’t line up afterward.
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Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
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