Hey guys, I'm in the process of turbocharging my '98 TA and have to take off the timing cover to weld in a bung for an oil return line. The motor was completely forged and rebuilt about 1500 miles ago and I had a couple of questions.

1. Will I need to replace the timing cover gasket when I put cover back on? I put on a new one when the motor was rebuilt.

2. Will I need to replace the water pump gaskets? I know '98s have the crappy graphite ones but I upgraded to the steel and rubber ones when I put the pump on again a few months ago.

3. Does the front crank seal need to be replaced?

I don't mind having to replace any of these if I risk having leaks once everything goes back together, but money is money and I like to save it where I can! Thanks guys!

 

I've had good luck with reusing the metal gaskets for the water pump and timing cover, and I suppose if you don't damage the oil seal in the process of removing it (for when the welding is done) you could reuse it, too, but I'd have an extra on hand. Good luck.

 

Cool, thanks! I'm an idiot for not doing this when the motor was apart...

 

One more quick question... I put a new LS2 timing chain when the motor was rebuilt. Do you think this will be an okay chain for FI? I'm planning on going up in the 600-650rwhp range. Since I have the cover off this would be the perfect time to throw in a different chain if you guys think I should.
FWIW I'm just running a lil ol' LS6 Z06 cam. Look at my build thread if you need any more details on the motor.

 

id definatly go ahead and replace all the gaskets before you put it back together.
if not, 10,000 miles down the road youll be doing it again.

 

^^wrong, the metal gaskets on the w/p and cover can be reused, just be careful not to damage the rubber portions and you will be fine, I would recommend replacing the crank seal however, you just cant always tell if you damaged the lip on disassembly and the balancer is enough of a PITA that i wouldn't want to have to redo it

 

Thanks guys! I ordered a new crank seal and balancer bolt so we should be good to go! Any comments on the timing chain?

 

With that cam I'm thinkin you should be alright, but I would consider asking in the FI section to make sure, those guys should have a better idea...cam wise you will be ok but I don't know if boost would add anymore stress??

 

I usually replace the water pump gaskets for peace of mind, but the timing cover gasket I reuse with a very very thin film of RTV.

*knock on wood* no leaks for me

 

I reused original gaskets w/60k on them, only put a little RTV where the corners of the cover, the oil pan and block all meet...three days of tuning after work, several 3rd gear highway pulls and 2500 mi later no leaks