Derek,
Here is what my own timing cover swap unearthed.
There are several versions of timing covers and the one on the Tiger is the
rarest of them all as it is the Thickest cover and does not have provision
for the oil fill tube. I have found one as a new old stock one but the guy
wants $275 for it and I am unwilling to spend this amount until I exhaust
the possibility of finding a used one. The description is that it is an
early Mustang or Fairlane version that has the oil fill in the valve cover.
It is about 2.5 inches thick and is the thickest one produced (Block to
water pump bolting flange distance). The cover also has the provision for
the open back water pump. Your cover will work but you may need to use the
cast iron water pump for that application (Shallower rear pump) and press
the flange further down on the shaft and turn/mill the front of the water
pump down. If you do choose to run the original version of the timing cover
be sure to "update" your original water pump with the anti-cavitations
"disc" to improve the pumps ability to circulate water (I wonder if this
contributes to the "reputation" of poor cooling on stock Tigers). If you
choose to use the 302 cover you will need to fiddle to obtain correct pulley
alignment....at least this is what I have been led to believe. It also has
the pointer on the left (drivers) side of the engine as a little cast in
post. I am in the process of "solving" the timing cover issue for my own
stroker motor and hope to have this info soon.
Best regards,
Tim Ronak
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