Hi there, new to the forum. I have a 69 Thunderbird with the 429 Thunderjet. The casting numbers show that it is a 68 motor with C8VE-E heads. I have lots of plans for this motor but for now just a quick question: Is it necessary to drop the oil pan to remove the timing cover? It sure looks that way....

 

If ya don't drop it completely ya will have to loosen it and let it drop some in the front. But then yer pan gasket will need replaced at this point. Or at least resealed.

 

Bummer... It appears to have been replaced in the past - not sure with what material though. How much clearance at the front of the pan would I need? 1/2" maybe? I wonder if I could get by with a good cleaning and some black RTV... There is only about an inch between the pan and crossmember.

 

Pan just needs to drop like a 1/4 inch

 

Thanks alot! It looks a little more feasible now.