I am putting a tripower on my 78 Trans AM and the waterneck hits the timing chain cover. What is wrong?
Note that the waterneck on a tripower comes directly out of the front of the intake, compared to the top location for the thermostat on the 2 and four barrel intakes. Pontiac cast an indentation into the aluminum timing chain covers. I am not sure when this began, but I imagine it was as early as the first 389s in 59. In any case, Pontiac continued using the same castings for this cover until about 69. I have been told that a bit of grinding on the timing chain cover as well as a bit on the waterneck will make it fit. I recommend using the older style timing chain cover, though. Be aware that Pontiac used a different style waterpump after 1967. Make sure you brackets for the alternator, waterpump and airconditioning come off motor with the same style waterpump. Also, do not assume your 65 motor has a 65 timing chain cover. The covers are interchangeable. I had a 65 timing chain cover on a 70 model 455. No problems.
