Ok, well my question is, do I have to have the timing chain cover installed on the block before mounting the head gasket and head on the block? Thanks for any info...

-Nick

 

Bob Saget...

 

it's certainly easier and makes for a better seal. i'll get the timing chain all set up on the sprockets, and spin the cam gear to the left to take out the slack on the driver's side(don't rotate the engine over by it, just get the slack out) and cradle it on the timing guides. just make sure there's no slack on the driver's side -- the chain will fall off the lower sprocket if there is, and screw up the timing.