Apart from obvious damage, are there any reasons or signs that it's time to replace the timing cover on a 2XR series motor?

I'm ready to order parts for my 22RTE, and I'd like to get a new timing cover, cause it would make it just that much more new and shiny. But I've taked to EB and they don't have a turbo specifc cover, so I would have to modify it.

My current cover doesn't look in too bad of shape overall. However it does have grooves mabey 1mm deep from chain rub up the driver side. But With new guides and proper tension this shouldn't be a problem, right?

 

if it leaks replace it. ooOOoo ... shiny
if you modding it, id do it to the 'still good' old one while sourcing a replacement.

 

I ran mine with groves cut about 3mm into it for about 2 years and had no problem with it. I agree, if its not leaking dont replace it unless you want the bling.